Спогади Шерлока Холмса
The Stock-Broker’s Clerk
Ithasbeenkeptveryquiet,forthecapitalwasallprivatelysubscribed,andit’stoogoodathingtoletthepublicinto.Mybrother,HarryPinner,ispromoter,andjoinstheboardafterallotmentasmanagingdirector.HeknewIwasintheswimdownhereandaskedmetopickupagoodmancheap.Ayoung,pushingmanwithplentyofsnapabouthim.Parkerspokeofyou,andthatbroughtmehereto-night.Wecanonlyofferyouabeggarlyfivehundredtostartwith.’
"‘Fivehundredayear!"Ishouted.
"‘Onlythatatthebeginning;butyouaretohaveanoverridingcommissionofonepercentonallbusinessdonebyyouragents,andyoumaytakemywordforitthatthiswillcometomorethanyoursalary.’
"‘ButIknownothingabouthardware.’
"‘Tut,myboy,youknowaboutfigures.’
"Myheadbuzzed,andIcouldhardlysitstillinmychair.Butsuddenlyalittlechillofdoubtcameuponme.
"‘Imustbefrankwithyou,"saidI.‘Mawsononlygivesmetwohundred,butMawsonissafe.Now,really,Iknowsolittleaboutyourcompanythat—’
"‘Ah,smart,smart!"hecriedinakindofecstasyofdelight.‘Youaretheverymanforus.Youarenottobetalkedover,andquiteright,too.Now,here’sanoteforahundredpounds,andifyouthinkthatwecandobusinessyoumayjustslipitintoyourpocketasanadvanceuponyoursalary.’
"‘Thatisveryhandsome,"saidI.
