No Bob . He was full eighteen minutes and a half behind his time . Scrooge sat with his door wide open , that he might see him come into the tank . His hat was off before he opened the door ; his comforter too . He was on his stool in a jiffy ; driving away with his pen , as if he were trying to overtake nine o'clock . `` Hallo ! '' growled Scrooge in his accustomed voice as near as he could feign it . `` What do you mean by coming here at this time of day ? '' `` I am very sorry , sir , '' said Bob . `` I am behind my time . '' `` You are ! '' repeated Scrooge . `` Yes . I think you are . Step this way , sir , if you please . '' `` It 's only once a year , sir , '' pleaded Bob , appearing from the tank . `` It shall not be repeated . I was making rather merry yesterday , sir . '' `` Now , I 'll tell you what , my friend , '' said Scrooge . `` I am not going to stand this sort of thing any longer .
And therefore , '' he continued , leaping from his stool , and giving Bob such a dig in the waistcoat XXXXX he staggered back into the tank again : `` and therefore I am about to raise your salary ! ''
as at before behind if in on that to with