"Pardon me, sir," says Hartley, "but several weeks ago I put in a request for an increase in salary, to take effect this month."
"Oh, did you?" says Piddie, springin' that sarcastic smile of his. "Do I understand that it was an ultimatum?"
"Why—er—I hadn't thought of putting it in that form, sir," says Hartley, blinkin' something like an owl that's been poked off his nest.
"Then I may as well tell you, young man," says Piddie, "that it seems inadvisable for us to grant your request at this time."
Hartley indulges in a couple more blinks and then adds: "I trust that I made it clear, Mr. Piddie, how important such an increase was to me?"
"No doubt you did," says Piddie, "but you don't get it."
"That is—er—final, is it?" asks Hartley.
"Quite," says Piddie. "For the present you will continue at the same salary."
"I'll see you eternally cursed if I do," observes Hartley, without changin' his tone a note.
"Eh?" gasps Piddie.