I have to say I am really enjoying writing this. I have had the story in my head for years, now I just have to type and post it

As always Harold, Albert and Hercules are owned by the geniuses of Galton and Simpson.

Chapter 5

"First we find you somewhere to live and then we find you a job."

"What about my dad?"

"He is not important, you are. You know there is a flat upstairs." Harold nodded. "It has 2 bedrooms. If you can help me here in the cafe occasionally you can stay there for a while."

"I can't cook."

"You don't have to, just clear the tables and wipe them down when it's busy. You can butter bread and peel spuds too. And sit in here when it is busy, stop any trouble. You're a big lad, I doubt anyone will want to mess with you."

"I can do that, but will it be enough?"

"Be company for me since Grace left." Bert's wife was dead and their daughter was married. "You can have the run of the place and pay me rent when you are settled in a job." Harold groaned.

"Where am I going to get a job? I'm over 40 and all I've ever known is totting, who is going to employ me?"

"Factories mate, they are crying out for people. Paying good money too and you don't need any experience. Chap who comes in here is a foreman, they don't just want youngsters."

"What factory?" Harold was interested despite his misgivings.

"Cornwell's, down by the river. They make washing machines, more people are buying them now and they have orders to keep them busy for months. It will put some money in your pocket, what have you got to lose?"

"Nothing I suppose."

"Go on Harold, take that first step." Harold looked at him, then nodded.

"Right, I'll do it."

"Good for you Harold." Bert looked at his watch. "It's gone 3. Go up to the flat and get some kip, then you can get off to Cornwell's about 10. You can use my razor, have a bath if you like, then come back here when you have some good news for me."

"How can I ever repay you Bert?" Bert grinned.

"I'm sure you'll think of something. Get off upstairs, I'll try not to wake you when I come up."

Feeling as though he was dreaming Harold made his way up to the flat over the cafe. He found the spare room, undressed and got into bed. He was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

After the best night's sleep he could remember Harold got up, washed and shaved then got dressed and went into the kitchen. Bert was in bed but he had left a note.

Harold,

Hope you slept well. Help yourself to cereal and toast.

Good luck for this morning.

Bert.

He had a bowl of cornflakes and a mug of tea, then washed his dishes, put on his coat and left the flat.

He caught a bus to the river and found the factory. The man on the gate told him where to go and he was soon knocking on the door of Personnel.

Thirty minutes later he left the factory having become an employee of Cornwell's, starting the following Monday.

"Well?" Demanded Bert as soon as he got through the door. "I take it you went."

"I went." Said Harold taking off his coat and putting it on the back of a chair. "It's a big place."

"I know it is." Bert was getting impatient. "Do I have to beat it out of you?" Harold grinned at him.

"You are now looking at the newest warehouseman at Cornwell's starting next Monday morning."

"Well done mate." Bert shook his hand warmly. "I knew you could do it."

"I have to go home Bert."

"Why?"

"To get my stuff, my clothes and everything. I don't have much but I want it with me."

"What about Albert? You know what a wheedling little bleeder he is."

"I am expected at Cornwell's on Monday, I'm not going to let them down."