The Go-Getter summary

The time? Early twentieth century, just after World War I. The place? San Francisco, inside the offices of Ricks Logging & Lumbering company. The discontented owner and founder of this company, Cappy Ricks, is facing a dilemma. A mismanagement issue within the Pacific shipping division has left his company without supervision for a critical delivery to China. He needs to hire someone, and fast.

It’s at this moment that Cappy is informed that a young man has arrived and is asking to speak with the owner personally. This man is Mr. William E. Peck. From the moment Mr. Peck steps into the office, he is enthusiastic, polite, and grateful. He explains that he has come to claim “his job,” and does not expect to be refused – a confidence that intrigues and amuses Cappy.

So, who is this Bill Peck? Apart from his piercing blue eyes, his otherwise ordinary appearance is distinguished by a slight limp and a left arm that has been amputated above the elbow. Cappy correctly surmises that Peck served in the military in the recently concluded war. Despite his disability, Peck cheerfully points out that he still has his head and his right arm, allowing him to think and write – and that’s all that matters.

Peck had previously been turned away by two of Cappy’s other managers. Undeterred, the persistent young veteran decided to go straight to the top, hoping that the owner of the company could overrule them. The nerve! But it’s a nerve that pays off, as Cappy – charmed by Peck’s attitude and tickled by his confidence – offers him a job. But not before warning him that it won’t be easy. He shall get paid not a cent more than he’s worth, Cappy tells Peck, and the company’s general manager, Mr. Skinner – whom Peck meets – will be sure to test his abilities.

After Peck leaves, Skinner immediately voices his concerns to Cappy – insinuating that he only hired Peck because he’s handicapped, and angry that Peck went over the heads of those who denied him the job. To which Cappy replies, “How could I reject a boy who simply would not be rejected?”

This sentiment is reinforced when Cappy encounters Peck in the street later that day. Peck hands him an engraved business card he had prepared for himself – already emblazoned with the logo and name of Ricks Lumber & Logging Company!

ANALYSIS

From the very beginning, Bill Peck’s determined spirit shines through the grim predicament facing the logging company. It’s clear that there is no doubt in his mind as to whether or not he will get the job he’s seeking – he doesn’t take no for an answer, and goes directly to the top. 

Contrast this with Peck’s apparent disabilities, and you get one of the story’s first major themes: perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. A wounded leg and a missing arm? That’s nothing against the can-do attitude of Mr. William E. Peck! As he declares himself, he still has his head and his right hand.

Which raises the question: What’s your excuse? No matter what life throws at you, or what injustices you face, if you have a good attitude and visualize your success, you can achieve anything.

This is about to be put to the test, as Skinner prepares to throw some challenges Peck’s way.