Nagendra Babu was deliberately paying him back in his own coin—that the Magistrate fully realised. But wait—the Sahib had in his hand such a magic wand as would bring Nagendra Babu to his knees at the very first touch of it. He mused for a few moments and then said calmly—
"Let that pass. The reason why I sent for you this morning is this. Of late, you have been very negligent of your duties. Unless you become more careful, I will have to withdraw my recommendation to the Commissioner for your promotion to the higher grade. I may even be obliged to reduce you to a lower grade."
Having delivered this oration, the Magistrate triumphantly scrutinised Nagendra Babu's face for signs of the inevitable result. He was convinced that Nagendra Babu would collapse immediately and be eager to obtain his pardon with becoming humility.
But the 'inevitable' did not happen. A smile of contempt slowly lit up Nagendra Babu's face. "You may do as you please, Sir,"—he said—"because it won't affect me."
"What do you mean?"—exclaimed the Magistrate at this wholly unexpected reply.
"I have decided to send in my resignation, Sir, and my application will reach you in your office to-day. Would you be so good as to
