‘Stop there. I have heard people say that when you have a dilemma you should open the Bible at random and read the first words your eye falls on and you will find the answer. I believe that is true in this case. Someone who is willing to work should receive his just reward. Are you willing to work, Gus?’

‘Yes, sir.’

Mr Freeman passed him a ledger. ‘Add those figures for me.’

Gus bent to the work again. He felt more confident here. He had always been good with figures. He calculated, checked and wrote down the answer and handed the ledger back to Mr Freeman, who cast his eye down the column and nodded.

‘Good.’ He leant back in his chair, his elbows on the arms, fingers steepled to touch his lips. ‘So, where do we go from here? I have no vacancies for a clerk here, but I know a number of men who run shipping companies and who might be prepared to give a willing lad a fresh start in life. Come back tomorrow morning and I’ll tell you if I have found anything for you.’

May and Gus spent the afternoon wandering the streets, visiting some of her favourite places. As they walked they talked and she heard for the first time the full story of why he had run away from the Industrial School. She looked at him with tears in her eyes.

‘I never knew! And I’ve been thinking what a fool you were to run away from a place where you were getting a good education. You poor boy!’

He shrugged. ‘Water under the bridge now.’

Next morning they were both waiting outside when the porter opened the staff entrance, but they had to wait longer until a messenger came to tell them that Mr Freeman had arrived and wanted to see them. May’s heart was thumping as they entered his office.

He was standing by the window and turned as they came in. ‘Ah, you are prompt. Well, I have good news. Mr Pilkinton of the White Star Line will take you on as a clerk, on a trial basis, starting next week. I have explained the circumstances and he has agreed that you can start on Tuesday, provided that you escape a prison sentence. If you are sent to jail, then I am afraid that his offer will be withdrawn. I know that is not ideal, but it is the best I can do. I hope, most sincerely, that the magistrate will be persuaded that a fine is the best solution.’

Monday was a long time coming. James Breckenridge expressed himself delighted with the news and assured them that Mr Weaver would speak on Gus’s behalf, and after that there was nothing to do but wait. On Sunday afternoon they wandered down to the pier head and watched the great ships coming and going. May looked at her brother’s face.