The Firm of Girdlestone Chapter 16 - The First Step

Arthur Conan Doyle (0:00)

The Arthur Conan Doyle Library. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain, read by Ashton Hoffman. The First Step. It was a proud day for the ex-medical student when he first entered the accounting house of the African firm, and realized that he was one of the governing powers in that busy establishment. Tom Dimmesdale's mind was an intensely practical one, and although he had found the study of science and Ursa matter, he was able to throw himself into business with uncommon energy and devotion. The clerk soon found that the sunburnt, athlete-like looking man intended to be anything but a sleeping partner, and both they and Orgill Ray respected him accordingly. The latter had at first been inclined to resent the new arrangement, as far as his gentle, downtrodden nature could resent anything.

Hitherto, he had been the monarch of the Counting House, in the absence of the griddle stones. But now a higher desk had been erected in a more central portion of the room, and this was for the accommodation of the newcomer. Gil Ray, after his thirty years of service, felt this usurperation of his rights very keenly. But there was such a simple kindness about the invader, and he was so grateful for any assistance in his new duties that the old clerk's resentment soon melted away. A little incident occurred which strengthened this kindly feeling. It turns out that some days after Tom's first appearance in the office, several of the clerks, who had not yet quite gauged what manner of man this young gentleman might be, took advantage of the absence of the griddle stones to take a rise out of the manager. One of them, a great raw-bone scotchman named Mick Cluster, after one or two minor excavations of weight, concluded by dropping a heavy ruler on the partition of the old man's desk in such a way that it crashed down upon his hand as he sat stooping over his writing. Tom, who had been watching the proceeding with a baleful eye, sprang off his stool and made across the office. At the offender, McCluster seemed inclined for a moment to brazen it out, but there was a dangerous sling about Tom's shoulders and a flush of honest indignation upon his face. I didn't mean to hurt him, said the Scotchman. Don't hit him, sir, cried the little manager. Beg his pardon, said Tom, between his teeth. McCluster stammered out some lame apology, and the matter was ended. It revealed the new partner, however, in an entirely novel light, to the inmates of the counting house. That under such circumstances, a complaint should be carried to the senior was only natural. But that the junior should actually take the matter into his own hands and execute Lynch law, then there was altogether a new phenomenon. From that day, Tom acquired a great ascendance in the office, and Gilway became his devoted slave. This friendship, which the old clerk proved to be very useful for, by means of his shrewd hints and patient teaching, the newcomer gained a grasp of the business, which he could not have attained by any other method. Girdlestone called him into the office one day and congratulated him upon the progress which he was making. My dear young man, he said to him in his patrical way, I am delighted to hear of the way in which you identify yourself with the interests of the firm. If at first you find work allotted to you, which may appear to you to be rather menial, you must understand that is simply due to our desire, that you should master the whole business from its very foundations. There is nothing I desire better, said Tom.

In addition to the routine of office work and superintendence of the clerks, I would wish you to have a thorough grasp of the details of the shipping and of the loading and unloading of our vessels, as well as of the storage of goods when landed, when any of our ships are in.

I should wish you to go down to the docks and to overlook everything which is done. Tom vowed and congratulated himself inwardly upon these new duties, which promised to be interesting. As you go older, said the senior broadcaster, you will find it of inestimable value that you have had practical experience of what your several children have to do. My whole life has taught me that when you are in doubt upon any subject, you can ask Ezra for his assistance and advice. He is a young man whom you might well take as an example for. He has great business capabilities.

When he has gone to Africa, you can come to me if there is anything which you do not understand. John Girdlestone appeared to be so kindly and benevolent during this and other interviews that Tom's heart warmed towards him. He came to the conclusion that his father had judged the old merchant harshly. More than once, so impressed was he by his kindness that he was on the point of disclosing to him his engagement to his ward. But on each occasion, there rose within him a lively recollection of Kate's frightened face when he had suggested such a course, and he felt that without her consent, he had no right to divulge the secret. If the elder Girdlestone improved upon acquaintance, it was exactly the reverse with his son, Ezra.