That’s a big word to use, and seems more appropriate to a Roman emperor than to a London auctioneer; but, on quietly thinking it over, it is quite correct, for I honestly believe that that man took delight in abusing Esau and me.
Let me see; what did some one say about the employment of boys? “A boy is a boy; two boys are half a boy; and three boys are no boy at all.”
Of course, as to the amount of work they do. But it is not true, for I know—one of the auction-room porters told me—that Mr Dempster used to keep two men-clerks in his office, till they both discharged themselves because they would not put up with what the porter called “his nastiness.” Then we were both engaged.
That was one day when Dingle came down in his green baize apron and carpet-cap, and had to wait till our employer returned from his lunch.
“Ah!” he said, “the guv’nor used to lead them two a pretty life, and keep ’em ever so late sometimes.”
“But he had more business then, I suppose?” I said.
“Not he. Busier now, and makes more money. Nobody won’t stop with him.”
“Yes, they will,” said Esau. “You said you’d been with him fourteen years.”
“Yes,” said Dingle, showing his yellow teeth, “but I’m an auctioneer’s fixtur’, and going ain’t in my way.”
“Why not?” asked Esau.