All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting on his business manner {usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money off him}, and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live up to Gandalf's recommendation. "Also I should like to know about risks, out-of-pocket expenses, time required and remuneration, and so forth"--by which he meant: "What am I going to get out of it ? and am I going to come back alive?
( J.R.R. Tolkien )
[ The Hobbit or There and Back ]
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