give some meat and drink, and wood for a fire, to people who need all these things. This is a time when we should all be able to enjoy ourselves. How much will you give sir? Nothing!' Scrooge replied. "I don't have a merry Christmas myself, and I won't pay for other people to be merry. We all have to pay for prisons and workhouses they cost enough. The poor will have to go there.' Many can't go there, and many prefer to die. If they prefer to die, why don't they die, then? There are too many people in the world, so it's a good thing if some of them die. All this is none of my business! It's enough for a man to understand his own business, and not to think about other people's. I'm a very busy man. Good afternoon, gentlemen!' The gentlemen shook their heads a little sadly, and left the office. Scrooge went back to his work, feeling pleased with himself Now the fog was at its thickest outside, and the cold was biting. Lights shone brightly from the shop windows. People were hurrying here and there rich and poor alike to buy what they needed for tomorrow's Christmas dinner At last it was time to close the office. Scrooge got up slowly from his desk. Bob was waiting for this moment, and he immediately put on his hat "You'll want a holiday all day tomorrow, I suppose?' said Scrooge.