'Really, Smith,' said Mr Rossiter, 'you always seem to be talking. I have overlooked the matter once, as I did not wish to get you into trouble so soon after joining; but, really, it cannot go on. I must take notice of it.' Psmith held up his hand. 'The fault was mine,' he said, with manly frankness. 'Entirely mine. Bannister came in a purely professional spirit to deposit a letter with Comrade Jackson. I engaged him in conversation on the subject of the Football League, and I was just trying to correct his view that Newcastle United were the best team playing, when you arrived.' 'It is perfectly absurd,' said Mr Rossiter, 'that you should waste the bank's time in this way. The bank pays you to work, not to talk about professional football.' 'Just so, just so,' murmured Psmith. 'There is too much talking in this department.' 'I fear you are right.' 'It is nonsense.' 'My own view,' said Psmith, 'was that Manchester United were by far the finest team before the public.' 'Get on with your work, Smith.' Mr Rossiter stumped off to his desk, where he sat as one in thought. 'Smith,' he said at the end of five minutes. Psmith slid from his stool, and made his way deferentially towards him. 'Bannister's a fool,' snapped Mr Rossiter. 'So I thought,' said Psmith. 'A perfect fool. He always was.' Psmith shook his head sorrowfully, as who should say, 'Exit Bannister.' 'There is no team playing today to touch Manchester United.' 'Precisely what I said to Comrade Bannister.' 'Of course. You know something about it.' 'The study of League football,' said Psmith, 'has been my relaxation for years.' 'But we have no time to discuss it now.' 'Assuredly not, sir. Work before everything.' 'Some other time, when--' '--We are less busy. Precisely.' Psmith moved back to his seat. 'I fear,' he said to Mike, as he resumed work, 'that as far as Comrade Rossiter's friendship and esteem are concerned, I have to a certain extent landed Comrade Bannister in the bouillon; but it was in a good cause. I fancy we have won through. Half an hour's thoughtful perusal of the "Footballers' Who's Who", just to find out some elementary facts about Manchester United, and I rather think the friendly Native is corralled. And now once more to work. Work, the hobby of the hustler and the deadbeat's dread.' 9. The Haunting of Mr Bickersdyke