The Stranger
night. I’ll have to go to the village yet and borrow an axle somewhere.
The Old Man
Maybe we’ll turn back yet and you could take my wagon.
Mordcha
Where were you bound for—here, really? Did you have some business here?
The Old Man (smiling slyly)
Not certain yet. Maybe we can do the business here. What do they call you?
Mordcha
Not familiar to you. Mordcha Gadaliah is my name—after a grandfather.
The Old Man
And I am Benjamin Minshitzer.
Mordcha
From Minshitz—as far as that!
The Young Man
We left yesterday after midnight and have been on the way ever since.
Mordcha
With my horse I wouldn’t have gotten as far as that.
The Old Man
How old is your daughter?
Mordcha
Already sixteen years, no Evil Eye, and as clever and handy as her mother, may she rest in Paradise.
Fraidele
Why do you praise me so, papa?
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