The stranger was not looking.

The rebbe's courage rose, he advanced towards the table; he stretched out his hand for the knife.

At that instant the door opened, the carriage was announced.

The eager traveller, without noticing Reb' Lebe, swept up sausage and knife, just at the moment when the timid rebbe was about to cut himself a delicious slice.

I saw his discomfiture from my corner, and I am obliged to confess that I enjoyed it.