Messrs. Dubois Freres had their share of this lucrative business, and, as their agents in London, we necessarily became participators in their large transactions.
In three months these operations had increased so enormously, and the profits were so considerable, that Mr. Crobble not only advanced my salary, but consented to engage the assistance of two junior clerks. I was now a man of some consideration. I was the senior clerk of the establishment, although the youngest of the three.
In two years I found myself at the head of six clerks, and had as much business as I could possibly manage.
My star was in the ascendant. I had not only more money than I required for my expenses, but was enabled to maintain my poor old father, who daily became more and more infirm.
I rented a small cottage at the rural village of Hackney, but my labour occupied me early and late, and it was only on a Sunday I could really enjoy my home.
Three years after quitting the office of Mr. Timmis, I had the inexpressible pleasure of employing him to purchase stock for his errand boy! I was proud as a king.
"I said that boy would turn out well," said the good-natured Mr. Wallis; "he always had a good principle."
"And now bids fair," said Mr. Timmis, "to have both principal and interest."
Mr. Crobble having lately had a large property left him in Hertfordshire, rarely came to the office above once a-quarter, to settle accounts.
"A good dividend—a very good dividend!" said he, upon receipt of the last quarter's profits. "But, Mr. Mullins, I cannot forget that this business is your child."