mood he was as far removed from us as the sun is from the earth. We realized the gulf which separated us, and sought not to pass it.

Accordingly, it came about that Ball retired and Cub Calker reigned in his stead. And then came the upheaval. The first things to go were the old low desks for the clerks and accountants, they being replaced by broad, high desks, at which a man could work more comfortably and to better advantage. Then the old books and files disappeared, and in their place came modern loose-leaf books, card-systems and filing cases, to suit which our entire method was changed, so that within a month we had fewer clerks in the office, but those few were turning out the work more promptly and better done than ever before. The next step was to advance the salaries of those clerks who remained, whereupon clerks became more cheerful and energetic. Our system worked like a huge clock and the office became a source of satisfaction and pride to all concerned.

During the next two years no material change occurred, nor did any event take place beyond what might be expected in the ordinary course of conducting a great business; but in the third year of Cortright's management the United States Steel Corporation was formed, and our plant became one of its integral parts. At first I was a trifle uneasy, fearing that changes whereby I should lose rather than profit might be made; but I soon found that Cortright's management was satisfactory to the higher powers, and as long as he remained at the helm I felt

secure.

My fears were re-awakened, however, one afternoon when Cortright summoned me and announced that he was leaving for New York on the 7.05 train.

"I must take someone with me," he said. "Can you make it?"

The question was superfluous.

"What's up?" I gasped.

"Can't tell till I get there." His tone betrayed neither fear nor hope. "Run home and get your bag. We'll dine on the train."

We dined in silence, and in silence we sat and smoked through the long evening hours as the train rushed on. Finally we sought our berths, but little could I sleep, for my soul was filled with forebodings of disaster. Changes would be made, I was sure, and the policy of the corporation tended toward a reduction of expenses. To my mind the conclusion was obvious.

Our train had hardly come to a standstill in the Grand Central Depot next morning when Cortright had me in a cab and soon we were whirling down town through the pulsing heart of the great city. Arrived at the company's offices, Cortright left me in an anteroom, while he went to consult with someone who was expecting him. I waited an almost interminable time, every moment growing more nervous and apprehensive, and had just about reached the conclusion that my path thenceforth would be down hill, when Cortright appeared in the doorway and beckoned me. Mechanically I followed him and soon found myself standing in a handsome office room, where Cortright, after a hasty word of introduction, left me. So nervous was I that I failed to catch Cortright's words, but the moment I glanced at the man to whom he had presented me I realized that I was in the presence of him who had been chosen to bear the burden of the chief executive office of this giant among industries.

With a smile, the great man rose and extended his hand cordially. "I am glad to know you, Mr. Cummings. Sit down."

I sat. In fact, my knees were so shaky it is a wonder

I did not collapse sooner.

But as I sat before him I
The president sat regard-

found myself growing calmer. ing me for some moments, his eye seeming to penetrate the secrets of my life; yet was there nothing disquieting in the gaze. His very person seemed to exhale a spirit of confidence and strength. Those who came in contact with this man could not fail to unconsciously mould their minds in some measure to his qualities. And he was gravely courteous in manner, as I have ever found those men to be who are really great; for it is only the small-natured incompetents who never have time for politeness.

"You have been some time at the Carleton plant, I understand," he said, at last.

"Twenty-eight years," I replied.

“And you began, I believe, as a timekeeper and have worked up to your present position?"

I nodded assent.

"That is a point in your favor."

He is trying to let me down easily, I thought.

"You are a young man.'

"Forty-six," I retorted. I wished I could have said sixty-six. But he waved my answer aside.

"Young men are what we need in some positions," he continued.

Minor positions, thought I.

"We are very well satisfied with Mr. Cortright's management, but —”

Now it was coming! I wondered if I had not better bolt.

"But we need him here."

Hurrah!

It was all right, then.

Would they keep

me here with Cortright? I leaned forward in breathless eagerness.

"It is our wish that the management of the Carleton

plant be continued along the same lines as those followed by Mr. Cortright. He informs me that you are thoroughly conversant with all the details of his methods. The question, therefore, is whether you will accept the position of manager at Carleton?"

Would I accept it? Imagine St. Peter asking some poor lost soul if he desired admission to Paradise.

"Very well, then," smiled the president, rising. "Hunt up Mr. Cortright now. He will give you definite instructions. And drop in here again before you leave.”

It is not my intention to set forth a list of the difficulties that beset my new path, nor yet to record the blunders that I made, that there were many of both, you may believe, so we will come down to an event the memory of which will ever remain with me. The occasion is a dinner to which Cub Calker has bidden us on the eve of his becoming a benedick. At the head of the table sits Cub, no longer chief clerk at Carleton, but superintendent of another plant in a distant city. At the other end sits old Harley, stern and grim no longer, but a genial, mellow old gentleman who has retired to live upon the savings of his years of frugality and toil. Around the board sit Watson, Mullins, Hughes, Henderson, a few other old comrades of former years, and myself. The dishes have been cleared away, cigars are lighted, and Cub Calker rises to address us.

"Boys, I have a letter from one I had expected to be with us. He says:

"I cannot tell you how disappointed I am at being unable to attend your farewell dinner to the friends of your bachelor days. I had expected to be present, but the stern finger of duty is pointing me in another direction, and I may not disobey. But, while I can not be at

the dinner, I shall surely arrive in time for the wedding. I would come clear across the continent for that event, and I shall expect no less of you on the occasion of my own wedding, which will occur at no very distant date. Some New York society bud, did you say? Wrong, my boy. She lives in dear old Carleton, the home of my youth, wherein rest the sweetest memories of my life. I shall defer my congratulations until I can again grasp your hand. Remember me to all the boys. God bless you all.'

"I need not tell you the writer's name," goes on Cub. "He is the one who, above all others, we are proud and happy to call our friend, the man whom we have seen rise from a small beginning to the position which his genius and sterling worth entitle him to occupy."

"Genius nothing!" breaks in Mullins. "Why, the man is simply "

"Shut up, Tom!" commands Cub. "We all know how steeped your soul is in pessimism. Enjoy your own sordid thoughts if you will, but don't inflict them upon us."

And now old Harley is on his feet.

"Gentlemen," he says, "I rise to propose a toast. Old codgers like myself take great pride in watching the successful careers of those with whom we have labored, whom we have helped to guide, in their youth. I count no man more fortunate in his young friends than myself. May the future of these men be no less glorious than their past and present. Our interest, our good wishes, our affection go ever with them. Gentlemen, I give you Frank Cortright and Leonard Calker, the one as true and loyal a gentleman, the other as brave and bonny a lad as ever trod the face of God's green earth.”

With a shout we are on our feet. But no, old Harley is waving us down frantically, and we, who have not for