“Not particularly,” I replied, wondering what was coming next.
“You consider yourself above pot holes?” he asked.
“I admit the charge,” I said.
“Very good,” said the Minister. “You do not desire to leave the Service, Mr. Clay tells me.”
“Mr. Clay has also told you why, I suppose,” I replied, beginning to have a hazy idea that all was well.
“Yes,” replied he, “and I have looked into your case. You have a good record for fifteen years.”
“Thank you,” I said.
“I will not prolong your discomfort,” said he. “I propose to increase your responsibilities and your salary. You may thank our accidental meeting and Mr. Clay for this.”
I expressed my gratefulness as well as I could and left the minister’s office the most dazed Civil servant that ever existed. My exit amused the Minister greatly. He shook me by the hand once more and wished me well, and as the door closed behind me I could hear his soft laugh. His promise was promptly carried out, and I left pot holes for ever shortly after my memorable visit to his office. It was well for me that he was prompt in this, for before many months had passed a measure which seemed good to the Government seemed bad to the people, and my Minister went down in the overthrow.