'Not to watch. To play. An urgent summons I need not say. Nothing but an urgent summons could have wrenched him from your very delightful society, I am sure.' Mr Gregory glared. 'I don't want any of your impudence,' he said. Psmith nodded gravely. 'We all have these curious likes and dislikes,' he said tolerantly. 'You do not like my impudence. Well, well, some people don't. And now, having broken the sad news, I will return to my own department.' 'Half a minute. You come with me and tell this yarn of yours to Mr Bickersdyke.' 'You think it would interest, amuse him? Perhaps you are right. Let us buttonhole Comrade Bickersdyke.' Mr Bickersdyke was disengaged. The head of the Fixed Deposits Department stumped into the room. Psmith followed at a more leisurely pace. 'Allow me,' he said with a winning smile, as Mr Gregory opened his mouth to speak, 'to take this opportunity of congratulating you on your success at the election. A narrow but well-deserved victory.' There was nothing cordial in the manager's manner. 'What do you want?' he said. 'Myself, nothing,' said Psmith. 'But I understand that Mr Gregory has some communication to make.' 'Tell Mr Bickersdyke that story of yours,' said Mr Gregory. 'Surely,' said Psmith reprovingly, 'this is no time for anecdotes. Mr Bickersdyke is busy. He--' 'Tell him what you told me about Jackson.' Mr Bickersdyke looked up inquiringly. 'Jackson,' said Psmith, 'has been obliged to absent himself from work today owing to an urgent summons from his brother, who, I understand, has suffered a bereavement.' 'It's a lie,' roared Mr Gregory. 'You told me yourself he'd gone to play in a cricket match.' 'True. As I said, he received an urgent summons from his brother.' 'What about the bereavement, then?' 'The team was one short. His brother was very distressed about it. What could Comrade Jackson do? Could he refuse to help his brother when it was in his power? His generous nature is a byword. He did the only possible thing. He consented to play.' Mr Bickersdyke spoke. 'Am I to understand,' he asked, with sinister calm, 'that Mr Jackson has left his work and gone off to play in a cricket match?' 'Something of that sort has, I believe, happened,' said Psmith. 'He knew, of course,' he added, bowing gracefully in Mr Gregory's direction, 'that he was leaving his work in thoroughly competent hands.' 'Thank you,' said Mr Bickersdyke. 'That will do. You will help Mr Gregory in his department for the time being, Mr Smith. I will arrange for somebody to take your place in your own department.' 'It will be a pleasure,' murmured Psmith. 'Show Mr Smith what he has to do, Mr Gregory,' said the manager. They left the room.