The chief clerk handed me over to one of his assistants, who without
ceremony seated me on a tall stool at a high desk, and put before me, to
my great dismay, a huge pile of formidable documents which he called _Way
Bills_. He gave me some instructions, but I was too confused to
understand them, and too shy to ask questions. I only know that I felt
very miserable and hopelessly at sea. Visions of being dismissed as an
incompetent rose before me; but soon, to my great relief, it was
discovered that the Way Bills were too much for me and that I must begin
at more elementary duties.
A few weeks afterwards, when I had found my feet a little, I was promoted
from the simple tasks assigned to me in consequence of my first failure
and attached to the goods-train-delays clerk, a long-bearded elderly man
with a very kind face. He was quite fatherly to me and took a great deal
of trouble in teaching me my work. With him I soon felt at ease, and was
happy in gaining his approbation. One thing found favour in his eyes; I
wrote a good clear hand and at fair speed. In those days penmanship was
a fine art.
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