You're looking very fit and pleased with yourself.

Is it because of that rotten trick you played on us the other day ?" "Rotten?
I thought it was rather clever of me," Tallente objected.
"Perfectly legitimate, I suppose," the other assented grudgingly.
"That's the worst of having a tactician in opposition." "You shouldn't have let me get there," was the quick retort.
Horlock drew a paper knife slowly down between his fingers.
"I sent Williams to you yesterday." "You did.

A nice errand for a respectably brought-up young man!" "Chuck that, Tallente." "Why?
I didn't misunderstand him, did I ?" "Apparently.

He told me that you used the word 'blackmail.'" "I don't think the dictionary supplies a milder equivalent." "Tallente," said Horlock with a frown, "we'll finish with this once and for ever.

I refused the offer of the manuscript in question." "I am glad to hear it," was the laconic reply.
"Leaving that out of the question, then, I suppose there's no chance of your ratting ?" "Not the faintest.