George had heard of surgical operations, but operations on the tallow market were mysteries of city life which he had not at present penetrated.
Anxious to acquire information in order to qualify himself for commercial eminence, he was about to question Mr. Brooks when that gentleman cut him short.
‘Take the chcque at once, Smith; be back quickly,’ he said. ‘Hulloa, it’s payable to order! What a nuisance!’
‘It must be endorsed, mustn’t it?’ said George, anxious to show what a lot he knew. In the course of his career he had had many cheques payable to his order, and he knew where to write his name. He wasn’t like that innocent major who, having lived all his life on discount, assured the financial agent who offered to do a three months’ bill for him that he didn’t know how to accept one.
Mr. Brooks recognized George’s business knowledge with a pleasant smile. Yes, it did require the name of Smith and Co. on the back; but, a most unfortunate thing, he had sprained his thumb, and couldn’t write.
‘Here, Smith,’ he said, tossing the cheque across to him, ‘just write Smith and Co. on the back for me, will you?’
George hesitated.
‘Is that correct, sir?’ he asked.
‘Of course it is! Why, what office have you been brought up in? Any clerk can endorse a firm’s signature; it’s quite usual in large firms.’
George coloured to think how he had betrayed his ignorance. He hastened to atone for it by endorsing the cheque ‘Smith and Co.’ at once.