"'Not at all, my boy. You have only got your deserts.
There are one or two small things--mere
formalities--which I must arrange with you. You have
a bit of paper beside you there. Kindly write upon it
"I am perfectly willing to act as business manager to
the Franco-Midland Hardware Company, Limited, at a
minimum salary of L500."'

"I did as he asked, and he put the paper in his pocket.

"'There is one other detail,' said he. 'What do you
intend to do about Mawson's?'

"I had forgotten all about Mawson's in my joy. 'I'll
write and resign,' said I.

"'Precisely what I don't want you to do. I had a row
over you with Mawson's manager. I had gone up to ask
him about you, and he was very offensive; accused me
of coaxing you away from the service of the firm, and
that sort of thing. At last I fairly lost my temper.
"If you want good men you should pay them a good
price," said I.'

"'He would rather have our small price than your big
one,' said he.

"'I'll lay you a fiver,' said I, 'that when he has my
offer you'll never so much as hear from him again.'