But suddenly, and with a laugh, he remembered that
he had certain possessions of his own--ability, knowledge, and
perseverance. Before he reached Eldrick's office, he had had a vision of
the Woolsack.
Eldrick received Collingwood's news with evident gratification. He
immediately suggested certain chambers in an adjacent building; he
volunteered information as to where the best rooms in the town were to
be had. And in proof of his practical interest in Collingwood's career,
he there and then engaged his professional services for two cases which
were to be heard at a local court within the following week.
"Pratt shall deliver the papers to you at once," he said. "That is, as
soon as he's back from Normandale this afternoon. I sent him there again
to make himself useful."
"I saw him this morning," remarked Collingwood. "He appears to be a very
useful person."
"Clever chap," asserted Eldrick, carelessly. "I don't know what'll be
done about that stewardship that he was going to apply for. Everything
will be altered now that young Mallathorpe's dead. Of course, I,
personally, shouldn't have thought that Pratt would have done for a job
like that, but Pratt has enough self-assurance and self-confidence for a
dozen men, and he thought he would do, and I couldn't refuse him a
testimonial. And as he's made himself very useful out there, it may be
that if this steward business goes forward, Pratt will get the
appointment.
Pages:
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137