Simon Birtles

Simon Birtles is an eager Australian boy who spends a summer as Bernard Walton's window-washing apprentice. He wants to skip basic training and immediately use Bernard's powerful sprayer. Bernard insists that Simon first master a squeegee, clean buckets, and learn proper care for the equipment. Impatient with the slow process, Simon asks Connie to hold the nozzle while he secretly turns on the machine. The hose jerks free, soaks them, and smashes a store window. Simon accepts responsibility because he ignored Bernard's instructions, then repays the damage gradually from his wages. His mistake teaches him why trust and responsibility are given in stages. Enthusiasm may begin good work, but maturity means handling small duties faithfully before reaching for greater tools and opportunities.