CHAPTER 13
Henry had been lucky. He was not caught, and recovered his wits shortly afterwards sufficiently to realise that it was a story he was unlikely to tell to anyone, at least to nobody in a position of authority. Sometimes, he realised, a bit of company could be a good thing.
In due course, his military service drew to a close, and he was discharged into civilian life with the rank of Senior Aircraftman and a reasonably large sum of money which he had earned by working, with official permission, on a civilian power station construction site during his time in the Middle East, as well as one or two other jobs for which he had no official permission at all. Good pay. All his to do whatever he wanted to do. His officer called him in for a talk before discharge and suggested signing on as a regular.
‘You would do well,’ the officer had explained. ‘You’re just the type the Service needs. Think it over at least.’
Henry didn’t need to think it over. He had enjoyed his time, but wanted to get back to what he considered was a more normal life. He returned to his original job with Mr. Diggens and talked over his plans for the future with his kindly boss.
‘I’ve got a fair bit put by,’ he explained. Of course, as a National Serviceman I wasn’t paid a lot in the Air Force, but then I had those extra jobs, and I haven’t spent a penny of that. In fact, I even managed to save a bit out of my Air Force pay, which takes some doing, I can tell you. But then, I didn’t waste it on beer and cigarettes. On top of it, I rented my house out while I was overseas, and that brought in a good bit. What I really want to do is to work for myself.’
Diggens nodded. He had been expecting something of the sort. ‘Knew I couldn’t keep you. What sort of work had you in mind?’ he asked.
‘I’m not really sure yet,’ said Henry. ‘Oh, I have two or three ideas floating about, but until I decide what it’s going to be, I need to know more about running a business. You know, bookkeeping, taxation, stock control, that sort of thing.’
‘If I know you,’ said Diggens, ‘ two or three ideas means a couple of hundred at least. Well, business administration isn’t so hard, but it is a world of its own to be sure. It’s cutting my own throat of course, but I can’t keep you, I know that. Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll teach you everything I know after hours if you promise to stay with me until I find a suitable replacement.’
‘That’s very good of you, Mr. Diggens. I appreciate that.’
‘Well, what else can I do? You’re a good lad, Henry. You’ve been a treasure to me while you’ve worked here. Maybe I just owe you a bit. If not, you can remember me when you make your first million.’
Henry laughed out loud. ‘Well, if you can guarantee that...’
Diggens shrugged. ‘I can’t, of course, but you’ll do it if you have it in you. The only thing is, I can’t teach you so very much. This is only a small establishment, and I think you’ll find there’s a lot more to learn if you want anything much bigger for yourself. There I can’t help you. I don’t know it. After the basics, you’ll be on your own.’
‘Good enough for me,’ said Henry. ‘It won’t be for want of trying. And thanks. I appreciate it.’
‘Yes, I know you do,’ said Diggens soberly. ‘I wouldn’t want to help out otherwise.’