SCENE--_Interior of newly-erected building. Present, the Builder and a Surveyor, the former looking timidly foxy, the latter knowingly pompous, and floridly self-important; Builder, in dusty suit of dittoes, carries one hand in his breeches-pocket, where he chinks certain metallic substances--which may be coins or keys--nervously and intermittently. Surveyor, a burly mass of broadcloth and big watch-chain, carries an intimidating note-book, and a menacing pencil, making mems. in a staccato and stabbing fashion, which is singularly nerve-shaking._ _Surveyor_ (_speaking with his pencil in his mouth_). Well, Mister--er--er--WOTSERNAME, I--er--think--'m, 'm, 'm--things seem to be _pretty_ right as far's I can see; though of course-- _Builder_ (_hastily_). Oh, I assure you I've taken the _greatest_ pains to conform to--er--rules in--er--in _every_ way; though if there _should_ be any little thing that ketches your eye, why, you've only to-- [Illustration] _Surveyor_. Oh, of course, of course! _We_ know all about that. You see _I_ can only go by rule. What's right's right; what's wrong's wrong; that's about the size of it. _I've_ nothing to do with it, one way or another, except to see the law carried out. _Builder_. Ex-ack-ly! However, if you've seen all you want to, we may as well step over to the "Crown and Thistle," and-- _Surveyor_ (_suddenly_). By the way, I suppose this wall is properly underpinned? _Builder_ (_nervously_). Well--er--not exackly--but, 'er, 'er--well, the fact is I thought-- _Surveyor_ (_sternly_). What you _thought_, Sir, doesn't affect the matter. The question is, what the Building Act _says_. The whole thing must come down! _Builder_. But, I say, that'll run me into ten pounds, at least, and really the thing's as safe as-- _Surveyor_. Maybe, maybe--in fact, I don't say it isn't. But the Act says it's got to be done. _Builder_. Well, well, if there's no help for it, I must _do_ it, of course. _Surveyor_ (_looking somehow disappointed_). Very sorry, of course, but you see what must be must. _Builder_ (_sadly_). Yes, yes, no doubt. Well (_brightening_), anyhow, we may as well step over to the "Crown and Thistle," and crack a bottle of champagne. _Surveyor_ (_also brightening_). Well, ours is a dusty job, and I don't care if I do.