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The Two Lawyers: A Novel

Chapter XIV

Chapter XIV.

It is necessary we should now return to Timaru and see how things there are going. We left John Hobart in high spirits, with the prospect of the mercantile spec foreshadowed to him by Fixer turning out well. How often does it happen in everyday life, that men when entering on a new venture do so with the best possible intentions, and long after they stick steadfastly to their first resolve, but success may turn them from their original course. A man goes into a speculation with the firm resolution that if he should succeed in this he will be satisfied; but in the majority of cases he proves the truth of the old saying that no one can ever have all he wants.

Now Felix Fixer was a man of undoubted ability—although the reader may wonder that he was ever a verger or a lawyer's clerk. Circumstances very materially alter cases, and Felix had one fault, but that fault was a very great one. He was a little page 117too clever, and in consequence people with whom he had most to mingle were afraid of him. Not that any act of dishonesty had ever been known of him, but those who were acquainted with the man saw his ability, and from his free way of speaking he let others too much into his secrets; whereas, had he acted more the hyprocite, he would have obtained greater success. In this respect he had, however, one redeeming trait, if it can be so termed, and that was that he would not pretend to believe what he did not, and so far on in life it had been his misfortune. In fact, until he first met John Hobart he had never tried to deceive anyone. That very accomplished individual had indeed given him the first lesson in deceit, but so far he had never profited by it. Hitherto he had lived an independent life, inasmuch as he would not conceal his views, no matter how detrimental he knew it to be to express them, and if he set out a certain course for himself no one could induce him to alter it, no matter what interest was at stake. Many good chances had he lost, but still year after year did he go on in his persistence, always avering that man should be free and independent, and if he lost his independence he was no longer fit to be termed a man. Although never successful in climbing the ladder of fortune, for he had never got over the first step, and had he done so little short of a miracle would have prevented him having a speedy ascent; he had, so far, lived in accordance with his own views. After leaving the position of verger which he held in Hobart Town, he had undergone many privations, and bit by bit his feeling of independence had given way to one of avarice. He had watched the conduct of others, and had gradually decided that when next fortune came within his grasp, at all hazards be would hold on. It was in this frame of mind we found him the first time we saw him in the office of Perryman and Hobart. Now, one week later than the last interview between himself and Hobart, saw him on the morning in question scrupulously attired. He was viewing himself in the mirror at his villa, as he choose to cal it; his moustache was cleanly shaved, and his general attire was the perfection of neatness.

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"Yes," he says, "I certainly think I shall do. Now, my gloves. Ah, that is better—now, my papers. Yes, I think, Mr Banker, I shall be able to do the first most essential thing. I shall create a good impression, and after that the other creations must depend on this."

As he said this he accompanied the words by tapping his forehead, and lifted from the glass-stand a pair of gold-mounted glasses attached to a black ribbon round his neck, and I think if the reader could see Mr Felix Fixer they would undoubtedly agree that the first step with reference to appearances was attained. He looks as he now stands—with his long English walking coat, black pants, white vest, cloth button boots, neat black watch ribbon, and last, but not least, black bell-topper hat and umbrella—a man of business, and of means. As he is about to hold his interview with the banker re the opening of his account, we will accompany and see how he fares.

Entering the Bank of —, he takes from his card-case a card, which he hands to the accountant, asks him to have it sent in to the manager with a request for an interview. Mr Fixer adds that if the present time is not convenient he will look in during the afternoon, as business will prevent his making a long stay.

In a very short time he is requested to step into the manager's room, and very soon he finds himself in the company of Mr Clinker.

"Mr Fixer, I presume," says the manager.

"That is my name, and I have called to see you with reference to my opening an account"

"Please be seated," says Mr Clinker.

"You intend, I presume, entering into some speculation," observes the manager, when Fixer is seated.

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"Well, I am about to establish a business here, which I am of opinion is required; but I should like to hear your views, as, of course, you must know Mr —."

"Clinker, sir, Clinker."

"Yes, to be sure. As I was about to say, Mr Clinker, I shall value your opinion far more than anyone's here, for your knowledge must be great."

"I shall be glad to give you my opinion, Mr Fixer, I assure you;" and Mr Clinker looked very much pleased, for he had but a very short time been raised to the position he now held, and his visitor's style pleased him exceedingly.

"Then, to be as brief as possible, I contemplate establishing a sort of mercantile affair, to consist principally in dealing in grain, wool, hides, and other produce, and of course the other lines which belong to this class of business. Also, I intend to import largely in lines which I find most suitable, so that the vessels which we propose to charter may have freight each way, and what helps to open up the business for one line will in time lead to others, and so on."

"A very admirable idea," said Mr Clinker. "I am of opinion that such a business will be highly successful in a young country like this."

"Thanks for your opinion, sir; you must know so well the requirements here. I shall," said Fixer, "refer you to my solicitors, Messrs Perryman and Hobart, as they are the only people here, so far, whom I have had occasion to call on."

"A very good firm, sir," said Mr Clinker. "I knew the elder Perryman before his decease; a very fine man."

"Oh, indeed. I will make a deposit to-day," said Fixer; "and if I should have occasion to draw further for our first shipments which are to arrive, Perryman and Hobart, as they will page 120have my capital coming through their hands, will probably be sufficient reference."

"Certainly, Mr Fixer; their paper sir, is as good as money, and I shall negotiate it for you with pleasure."

"Then, again thanking you, I must leave you, as business at starting is very pressing, and requires all my attention. You will call and see Messrs Perryman and Hobart, sir, I trust, to satisfy yourself."

"Certainly, Mr Fixer, if you wish it, but otherwise I should have left it for the present."

"I would sooner you call, sir; or I will ask one of the firm to look over."

"Not at all necesary. I will see to it to-day, sir, without fail."

And Mr Fixer, having said but little, although that little was to the point, attained the first end he wished for—he had created a good impression.

"Now, Mr Clinker," says the crafty Felix to himself when he leaves the bank, "will call and see Hobart to-day, for Perryman, being away, he cannot see him. Hobart soon, yes very soon, must talk to Perryman about me, and then we can make assurance doubly sure."

Mr Clinker's opinion of his new client is expressed in the following words:—"A nice gentlemanly fellow this, and I'll be bound rich; yes, rich. Charter vessels? This means money I like his style much; he speaks so sensibly, and yet says no more than is necessary."

So Mr Fixer had now made his first deposit, and the amount quite drained Hobart's resources for the present; but were they not soon to make money—yes, plenty of money? Will page 121they know when to stop, and where? That is a question time alone will solve.

One month later saw the firm of Messrs Fixer and Co. in full swing; that is, they were known to the public. Mr Clinker, when asked, spoke highly of the firm, but could not say who represented the "Co." He felt certain, however, they were either an English or a Victorian firm. Mr Fixer, the head of the firm, he spoke of as being a most worthy man, highly recommended; and, so far, the concern promised to prosper. The first shipment arrived, and, with the deposit of Messrs Perryman and Hobart's bill of exchange, alt claims were met. Everything went well; the lines selected by Fixer proved a good speculation—and, with, the proceeds, grain, wool, and other like produce, were bought, and this lot was paid for in cash, as Mr Fixer declined to transact the first business on any other terms, as he considered that course the soundest, at least so he told those with whom he came in contact; and before the first three months of the existence of the firm, so much confidence had it inspired that they could have chartered ship after ship solely on the bills of exchange of Fixer and Co. Gradually did the business increase in magnitude until Mr John Hobart's delight knew no bounds, the credit of the firm became so good that he often wanted to rush into other specs; but from this he was held in check by Fixer, who used all his discretionary power.