"No. But I speak for self and partner. Please make a note of that."
"Very good, sir."
"Then that's all right. It was a case of 'Twiggez-vous?' But I think you twig now that I don't stand nonsense—or go on paying salaries in exchange for bounce and impudence."
"May I ask if you think I am not earning my salary, sir?"
"I haven't said you aren't."
"Or do you think, sir, if you hunted the country, you'd find a man who'd give the same service for the same money?"
"Oh, if you want to blow your trumpet—"
"No, sir, I want to find my bearings—to learn where I am—if I can. It isn't boasting, it's only business. I've a value here, or I haven't. I've been under the impression I was valuable. You know that, don't you, sir?"
"Oh, I've no quarrel with you—if you'll go on serving me faithfully."