Ikey was talking to his Yiddish merchant friend in the latter’s store
when the dealer’s young son toddled in and said, “Papa, give me some
money.” The father reached in his pocket and handed the boy a quarter.
His friend appeared rather shocked at the show of liberality. “Why, how
much spending money do you give that kid every week?” he asked. Levy
replied, “Only three quarters.”
“Don’t you think you’re too extravagant with a child?”
“Oh, no,” answered Levy, “I showed him how to put the quarters in the gas
meter and he thinks it’s a bank.”
* * * * *