The Assistant Chapter 5, Section 5 Summary

  • Ashamed of his bushy hair, Morris checks the register and then goes over to the barber for a trim.
  • While in the chair, having his hair cut, Morris watches his store from the window.
  • Several customers enter the grocery and leave with heavy bags.
  • Upon his return, Morris checks the register drawer to see how much money came in.
  • He's surprised at how little the amount is.
  • Morris begins to suspect that Frank is stealing from him.
  • For a time he keeps an eye on Frank, the customers, and the cash register. All seems as it should, so Morris starts to doubt his suspicions.
  • He also begins to take the blame away from Frank and put it on himself. After all, he isn't paying Frank fair wages.
  • Morris tells Frank he will give him a raise.
  • Frank refuses, saying he has what he needs.
  • Morris insists.
  • However, Morris will not tell Ida about his suspicions or about his intention to give Frank a raise.
  • He'll do what Frank is doing: take money secretly from the register and give it to Frank before Ida gives him his wages. Because that sounds like a great idea. Not.