“All right, all right, that’s all very well. But do you know how to fix tractors and farm machinery or don’t you? You do? Ah! We’re singing in a different opera now. You saw my ad in the evening paper? You didn’t? Honestly? No, no, there’s no need to swear. I believe you. I believe everyone until I catch him in his first lie. I’ll tell you what, though. This is one very strange coincidence. But first of all, come back inside. And please close the door. Good. Now for the plum I have for you. For the last six weeks I’ve been looking all over for a hired hand to work in our tractor shed. Sit down. Why didn’t you tell me all this in the first place instead of lecturing me on Spinoza? Not that I regret one single moment of our conversation. You’re not to blame for it in any case. Our two mechanics walked off the job at the same time and left us nothing but scorched earth. Itzik married a girl from Kibbutz Mizra and is fouling up the works in their tractor shed now. The other one, Peiko—really first-rate, that fellow—was hijacked from us by the central office. Move closer to the heater. You’re shaking. Not that even a young man like Peiko can undo all the damage that’s been done to the Party these past years. Everything’s gone to hell there, just as in our tractor shed. But see here, you’re getting sick. Your eyes look feverish. Don’t worry, though. I’ve something stashed away that will nip whatever ails you. We’re going to drink a little toast—a toastlet, maybe?—to Spinoza and the idea of kibbutzim. That is, if the thought of a wee bit of brandy doesn’t frighten you off. What did you say your name was again?”

Azariah Gitlin repeated it, last name first.

“Meanwhile, here’s some hot tea,” Yolek said. “And don’t tell me you don’t want it because I’ve already poured it and don’t get me angry. Here’s sugar and lemon and here’s the rotgut. You can either add some of it to your tea or drink it from a shot glass. You have your identity pass? Your army discharge? No need to jump up. I didn’t ask to see them now. I just wanted to make sure you had them. Drink! Your tea is getting cold and the brandy will lose its aroma. I don’t run a police station here. Your documents will be checked tomorrow and the necessary paperwork taken care of.