The Old-Clock Shop Summary

The Old-Clock Shop Summary

The Old-Clock Shop Summary will take us through the story of a Christmas eve. Two men enter Ray’s shop. Ray hands them a notepad and asks them to write as he is deaf and dumb. However, Ray notices that the man has a gun. He thinks that the man will rob him. So, he understands that they must need money. He tells them that he has exchanged a good sum of money with people for their watches or wall clocks. He states it is only for goodwill and not to earn interest. Then, that man shows his old wristwatch to Ray and Ray gives him fifty dollars in return for it. This makes the man very happy as the watch was not worth that much money. Moreover, he doesn’t have to hurt someone to get money and leaves happily. Thus, we learn how peace and goodwill work for everyone.

The Old-Clock Shop Summary in English

It is Christmas Eve and all the shoppers are returning home. Everyone is closing their shops but Ray’s old-clock shop is still open. He is working round the clock. The work now ends and Ray is about to leave when two men enter his shop.

One is in his twenties while the other is in his fifties. Ray looks at them and notices the young man remains at the door. The old man comes to the counter with a not-so-warm approach. He makes Ray realize that he is not a shopper.

After that, Ray gives him a notepad and a pencil. He tells the man that he is deaf and dumb in sign language. Then, the old man turns back and says something to his young companion. Soon, Ray notices the gun in the man’s pocket.

He realizes they are here to rob him. Ray calms himself and asks if he may help the man. The man looks at Ray and gives a cruel mocking smile. Ray writes whether he is here to pick up a clock or watch.

Through sign language, Ray tells him that he gives out loans to the needy against their watches. Even though Ray is not a pawnbroker, he cannot turn away the needy. When someone offers him his watch or clock, he loans them the money.

Soon, the man realizes an idea and shows Ray his old wristwatch. He asks how much will Ray pay him for it. Even though Ray knows the watch is cheap, he acts smartly and asks how much the man needs.

The old man tells him whatever the worth is, he will take it. Ray gives him a fifty-dollar note and the man feels grateful. Both realize that it was a good deal as the old man doesn’t have to hurt Ray and Ray has managed to save himself from getting robbed.

The man tells Ray that he will return soon for his watch and wishes him a merry Christmas. All the clocks start ringing to indicate completion of half-hour. Thus, the story ends on a peaceful note with a message of peace and goodwill.

Conclusion of The Old-Clock Shop Summary

The Old-Clock Shop Summary teaches us how we must always have goodwill in our hearts and help out the needy. Ray not only saved himself but also showed the right path to the robbers. Moreover, it also teaches us how an honest way and calm mind can help us get out of the wackiest situations.