stave 5

• '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!'