`` 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 that he staggered back into the tank again : `` and therefore I am about to raise your salary ! '' Bob trembled , and got a little nearer to the ruler . He had a momentary idea of knocking Scrooge down with it , holding him , and calling to the people in the court for help and a strait-waistcoat . `` A merry Christmas , Bob ! '' said Scrooge with an earnestness that could not be mistaken , as he clapped him on the back . `` A merrier Christmas , Bob , my good fellow , than I have given you for many a year ! I 'll raise your salary , and endeavour to assist your struggling family , and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon , over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop , Bob ! Make up the fires and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another i , Bob Cratchit ! '' * * * * * Scrooge was better than his word .
He did it all , and infinitely more ; and XXXXX Tiny Tim , who did NOT die , he was a second father .
as behind from in of on over than that to