Joseph Conrad

The Partner Joseph Conrad

He snorted contemptuously. "Damn boatmen-know no better. Flew the firm's house-flag. That's another thing. Favour. It was like this: When old man Dunbar died, Captain Harry was already in command with the firm. George chucked the bank he was clerking in-to go on his own with what there was to share after the old chap. George was a smart man. Started warehousing; then two or three things at a time: wood-pulp, preserved-fruit trade, and so on. And Captain Harry let him have his share to work with... I am provided for in my ship, he says... But by-and-by Mundy and Rogers begin to sell out to foreigners all their ships-go into steam right away. Captain Harry gets very upset-lose command, part with the ship he was fond of-very wretched. Just then, so it happened, the brothers came in for some money-an old woman died or something. Quite a tidy bit. Then young George says: There's enough between us two to buy the Sagamore with... But you'll need more money for your business, cries Captain Harry-and the other laughs at him: My business is going on all right. Why, I can go out and make a handful of sovereigns while you are trying to get your pipe to draw, old man... Mundy and Rogers very friendly about it: Certainly, Captain. And we will manage her for you, if you like, as if she were still our own... Why, with a connection like that it was good investment to buy that ship. Good! Aye, at the time."