“It is.” There was no trace of resentment in his voice, nor did he show the slightest irritation at being asked so pointed a question. “Vell, I don't keep a pawn-shop. I got no license, and if I had I vouldn't do it--too much trouble all de time. Poor vomans, dead-beats, suckers, sneak-thieves--all kind of peoples you don't vant, to come in the door vhen you have a pawn-shop.” “Your sign said advances made.” “Vich vun?” “The one in the window, or I would not have troubled you.” “Vell, dot means anyting you please. Sometimes I get olt granfadder vatches dot vay, and olt Sheffield plate and tings vich olt families sell vhen everybody is gone dead. Vy do you vant to give dis away? I vouldn't, if I vas you. You don't look like a man vot is broke. I vill put back de bottles. You take it home agin.” “I would if I had any home to take it to. I am a stranger here and am two weeks behind in the rent of my room.” “Is dot so? Vell, dot is too bad. Two weeks behint and no home but a room! I vouldn't think dot to look at you.” “I would not either if I had the courage to look at myself in the glass. Then you cannot help me?” “I don't say dot I can't. Somebody may come in. I have lots of tings belong to peoples, and ven other peoples come in, sometimes dey buy, and sometimes dey don't. Sometimes only one day goes by, and sometimes a whole year. You leave it vid me. I take care of it. Den I get my little Masie--dat little girl of mine vot I call Beesvings--to polish up all de bottles and make everyting look like new.” “Then I will come in the morning?” “Yes, but give me your name--someting might happen yet, and your address. Here, write it on dis card.” “No, that is unnecessary. I will take your word for it.” “But vere can I find you?” “I will find myself, thank you,” and he strode out into the rain. Chapter II In the days when Otto Kling's shop-windows attracted collectors in search of curios and battered furniture, “The Avenue,” as its denizens always called Fourth Avenue between Madison Square Garden and the tunnel, was a little city in itself.