He went on in the same quiet tones-- "You gentlemen draw about thirty shillings a week from the firm.
I believe I am right in my figures, Mr.Gilray ?" addressing the senior clerk seated at the high solitary desk apart from the others.

"Yes, I thought so.

Now, odd man out is, no doubt, a very harmless and fascinating game, but you can hardly expect us to encourage it so far as to pay so much an hour for the privilege of having it played in our counting-house.

I shall therefore recommend my father to deduct five shillings from the sum which each of you will receive upon Saturday.
That will cover the time which you have devoted to your own amusements during the week." He paused, and the three culprits were beginning to cool down and congratulate themselves, when he began again.
"You will see, Mr.Gilray, that this deduction is made," he said, "and at the same time I beg that you will deduct ten shillings from your own salary, since, as senior clerk, the responsibility of keeping order in this room in the absence of your employers rests with you, and you appear to have neglected it.

I trust you will look to this, Mr.
Gilray." "Yes, sir," the senior clerk answered meekly.