Page:Ralph Paine--The Steam-Shovel Man.djvu/221

 great thoughts. There must be some way to solve the problem. He bided his time until Major Glendinning, passing through the warehouse on a tour of inspection, halted to ask:

"How are you going to like the job?"

"Tremendously, sir, thank you. But I may have to resign this week. My father has come after me."

"What? Does he think you are incapable of taking care of yourself?" thundered the major. "What's the matter with him?"

"They want me with them at home. I am too far away from the family."

"Pshaw! Does your father need you in his own business?"

"No, sir. His business doesn't amount to much at present. He was with the Wolverton Mills for twenty years as accountant and book-keeper'

"The mills closed down," interrupted the major. "I used to purchase from them."

"Yes, sir. My father is a first-class man in every way, but times are dull at home and and—" Walter mopped his face and floundered on, "you see, I happened to think that instead