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Updated: June 21, 2025
There was a silence, and then Mr Merrett, in his most solemn tones, said, "Now, Batchelor, answer this question. You say you were here before any one else arrived this morning?" "Yes, sir. I had been here about five minutes before Hawkesbury came." "What were you doing during that time?" "I was working at my desk." "You are quite sure?"
How he would behave now, a guest in the father's house, I could not imagine. Fool that I was! I was always doubting my friend! "Why, how is this," said Mr Hawkesbury, "you seem to know one another?" "Yes," said I, "Hawkesbury here is at Merrett, Barnacle, and Company's with Smith and me." "How very curious!" said the clergyman; "and, to be sure, I neither knew your names, nor you mine.
"Mr Barnacle has a perfect right to see the petty-cash account," said Mr Merrett, looking, however, by no means pleased. "Why don't you examine his desk?" said Hawkesbury, pointing to me; "he is the one to suspect, not me. Why don't you search his desk?"
"How are you getting on round your way?" asked Linton of Dunstable at the end of the sixth week of term. "Ripping. Selling like hot cakes." "So are mine," said Linton. "I've almost come to the end of my stock. I ought to have written some more, but I've been a bit slack lately." "Yes, buck up. We must keep a lot in hand." "I say, did you hear that about Merrett in our house?" asked Linton.
It was dated the previous day, and payable to bearer. But the amount, instead of being eight pounds, was eighty. The alteration had been neatly made, and no one who did not know the original amount drawn for would have suspected that £80 was not the proper sum. "This cheque," said Mr Merrett, "was presented at the bank this morning at ten o'clock and cashed."
Ten o'clock had struck ten minutes ago, and I was due at Merrett, Barnacle, and Company's at 10:15. I noticed a boy ahead of me walking rather more slowly than the rest. I would ask him, and stick to him till he put me right. So I made up to him boldly. "Will you show me the way to Hawk Street, please?" I said, as I came up. He turned round suddenly as I spoke. Was it possible?
"And you think you would suit us?" "I'd try, sir," said I. "Do you know what our work is?" said Mr Barnacle. "No, sir, not exactly," I replied. "Generally speaking," mildly put in Mr Merrett, "you've a sort of idea." "Yes," said I, not quite sure whether I was telling the truth or not. Mr Barnacle touched his bell, and the clerk appeared. "Bring me the invoice-book, Doubleday."
I ask you, Batchelor, do you know anything of it?" "No, sir," I replied. "Do you?" said Mr Barnacle to Hawkesbury. Hawkesbury flushed as he replied, "I never expected to be asked such a question, Mr Barnacle. I know nothing about it." Mr Merrett evidently disliked his partner's persistency in putting to Hawkesbury the same questions as had been put to me, but he could hardly complain.
Never mind, he's safe at home for a bit; but, my eye! won't he be astonished to find Merrett, Barnacle, and Company can get on without him!" I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. It was rank treason to sit by and listen to all this without putting in a word for my friend; and yet in this company I could not for the life of me make the venture.
"It is quite a pleasant surprise to me to see them again." "Very singular," said Mr Merrett; "I'm glad of it. You'll get on all the better. Harris; perhaps you will allow Mr Hawkesbury to assist you for a day or two, just while he is learning the work." So saying, the senior partner vanished into his own room, leaving Hawkesbury in the midst of his new comrades.
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