“I did,” said the Jew, his eyes flaring, then quickly dimming. “But what now? Abandon everything anew? To wander anew? Attach the mezuzah to another door anew?”

“I’m to blame,” grunted Tybald Raabe. “I put you in jeopardy. Now, because of me—”

“I knew who you were when I gave you shelter,” Maizl Nachman interrupted him. “I supported your cause with conviction, aware of what I was risking. Well, flight and wandering are nothing new to me.”

“I don’t believe it will be necessary,” said Reynevan. “While they were clearing away the corpses, the locals gave quite clear opinions about the attack, saying that the gang attacked to rob you and you simply defended yourself. Surely no one in Jawor would begrudge you that. And no one will disturb you if you stay.”

“Lord save us!” sighed Maizl Nachman, “Sweet naivety. What is your name? Reynevan?”

“His name is Reynevan, indeed,” Tybald Raabe interjected. “I know him and can vouch for him.”

“Ay, vouch? No need. He came to the aid of a Jew. Do I need better guarantees? I say! What’s with your hand, young woman? You with tzaddik Chalafta’s ring?”

“I’ve broken three fingers,” replied Rixa coldly. “A trifle. It’ll heal by my wedding day.”

“What wedding day? Who would want you? You’re an old, hot-headed fishwife and I’ll wager anything—even my tallit—that you don’t know how to cook. Give me your hand, shikse. Jehe sh’meh raba mewarach l’alam ul’almej almajja!”

Before Reynevan’s astonished eyes Rixa’s fingers straightened, the swelling immediately vanished from them and the bruising faded away. The girl sighed and moved her hand. Reynevan shook his head.

“Well, well,” he said slowly. “I am a physician, Rabbi Maizl, I am also familiar with the artes magicae. But to be able so smoothly to cure broken joints… I am full of admiration. I wonder where I could learn to do that?”

“From me,” replied the rabbi dryly. “When you have seven years free, stop by. And don’t forget to get circumcised first. But now, as King Solomon said to the Queen of Sheba, let’s get down to business. You wanted information from me. May I then learn of the issue?”

Reynevan succinctly stated the matter. Maizl Nachman listened, nodding, his beard rising and falling.

“It is clear,” he said, “I understand. And think I may be able to help. For I know of a similar case.”

He stuck a finger into his nose, had a long and zealous poke around in it, pretending not to see that Reynevan was squirming with impatience. He finally removed his finger and examined what he had extracted. Then took up his speech again.