want a manager, Jack. Why not take the job? Now," he
continued, holding up his hand, as his son was about to speak, "listen
for a moment or two. I have said the situation is serious. Let me
explain that. The financing of this business in the present crisis
requires a man's full time and energy. Markets, credits, collections,
all demand the very closest attention."

Jack glanced at his father's face. For the first time he noticed how
deep-cut were the lines that indicated care, anxiety and worry. A sudden
remorse seized him.

"I am awfully sorry, sir," he said, "I have not been of much help to
you."

Maitland waved his hand as if dismissing the suggestion. "Now you know
nothing of the financial side, but you do know men and you can handle
them. You proved that in the war, and, in another way, you proved that
during this recent athletic contest. I followed that very closely and I
say without hesitation that it was a remarkably fine bit of work and the
reactions were of the best. Jack, I believe that you would make a great
manager if you gave yourself to it, and thought it worth while. Now,
listen to me." Thereupon the father proceeded to lay before his son the
immediately pressing problems in the business--the financial obligations
already assumed, the heavy accumulation of stock for which there were no
markets, the increasing costs in production with no hope of relief, but
rather every expectation of added burdens in this direction.

As he listened to his father, Jack was appalled with what he considered
the overwhelmingly disastrous situation in which the business was
placed. At the same time he saw his father in a new light. This silent,
stern, reserved man assumed a role of hero in his eyes, facing desperate
odds and silently fighting a lonely and doubtful battle. The son was
smitten with a sense of his own futility. In him was born a desire and
a resolve to stand beside his father in this conflict and if the battle
went against them, to share in the defeat.

"Dad," cried his son impulsively, "I am a rotter. I have been of no help
to you, but only a burden. I had no idea the situation was so serious."
Remorse and alarm showed in his tone.

"Don't misunderstand me," said his father. "This is new to you and
appears more serious than it is. There is really no ground, or little
ground, for anxiety or alarm. Let me give you the other side." Then he
proceeded to set forth the resources of the business, the extent of