The Firm of Girdlestone Chapter 14 - A Slight Misunderstanding

Ashton Hoffman (0:00)

Chapter 14 of A Firm in Girdlestone by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Read by Ashton Hoffman. A slight misunderstanding. The revelation of the real state of the firm's finances was a terrible blow to Ezra Girdlestone. To a man of his overbearing, tempestuous disposition, failure and poverty were bitter things to face. He had been wont to tread down before him all such little difficulties and obstacles as came accrossed him in his former life. Now he encountered a great barrier which could not be possessed so easily, and he reared age and chaff before it. It made him still more wroth to think that the fault was none of his. All his life he had reckoned as a matter of course that when his father passed away, he would be left almost a millionaire. A single half-hour's conversation has shattered his delusion and left him face to face with ruin. He lost his sleep and became restless and hollow-eyed. Once or twice he was seen the worst for drink in the daytime. He was a man of strong character, however, and though somewhat demoralized by the sudden shock, he threw away no point in the game which he and his father were playing. He saw clearly that only a bold stroke could save them. He therefore threw himself hurt and sworn to the diamond scheme, and worked out the details in a masterly manner. The more he looked into it, the more convinced he became, not only of its feasibility, but of its absolute safety. It seemed as though it were hardly possible that it should fail. Among other things, he proceeded to qualify himself as a dealer in diamonds. It happened that he was acquainted with one of the partners of the firm of Fudger and Staltz, who did the largest import trade in precious stones. Though his kindness, he received particularly instructions in the variety and value of diamonds, and learned to detect all those little flaws and peculiarities, which were only visible to the eye of an expert. And yet, all of the highest importance in determining the price of a stone, with such opportunities, Ezra made rapid progress. Within a few weeks, there were not many dealers in the trade who had better grasped the subject. Both Girdlestones recognized that the success of their plan depended very largely upon the choice of an agent, and both were of the opinion that Major Toby's Clutterbuck, they had just the man that they were in want of. The younger merchant had long felt vaguely that the Major's social position, combined with his impetuosity and the looseness of his morality, as inferred from his mode of life, might someday make him a valuable agent under delicate circumstances. As to the old soldier's own inclinations, Ezra flattered himself that he knew the man's nature to a nicety.

It was simply a question of the price to be paid. No doubt the figure would be substantial, but he recognized with a trader's instincts that the article was a superior one, and he was content to allow for the quality in estimating the value. Early one April afternoon, the Major was strutting down St. James Street, frock-coated and kid-gloved with pro-tuberant chest and glittering shoes, which peeped out from beneath the daintiest of gators. Young Girdlestone, who had been on the lookout from a club window, ran across and intercepted him. How are you, my dear Major? He cried, bouncing upon him with outstretched hand, and as much show of gentility as his nature permitted. How do you do? How do you do? said the other somewhat pompously.

He had made up his mind that nothing was to be done with the young man, and yet he was reluctant to break entirely with one whose purse was well lined and who had supporting proclivities. I've been wishing to speak with you for some days, Major, said Ezra. When could I see you? You'll never see me any plainer than you do at this very moment, said Major, taking a sidelong glance of suspicion at his companion. Ah, but I wish to speak to you quietly on a matter of business, the young merchant persisted.

It's a delicate matter, which may need some talking over, and above all, it is a private matter. Get it, said Major, with a wheezy laugh. You'd have thought I wanted to borrow money if I had said as much. Look here now, we'll go into White's private billiard room, and I'll let you have 200 out of 5 for a tenner, though it's a good as handing you the money to offer you such odds. You can talk this over while we play. No, no, Major, the junior partner. I tell you, it is a matter of the greatest importance to both of us. Can you meet me at Nelson's Cafe at 4 o'clock? I know the manager, and he'll let us have a private room. I'd ask you round to me own place, the Major said, but it's rather to 4 Nelson's at 4, right you are. Punctually is next to Godliness, as old Willingbuy of Buffs used to say.