“Yes,” interjected Rivington, “we expect daily reports of profits. No more loafing on the job. Your stockholders have rights which even you are bound to respect, my piratical friend. But I think you are a ninny just the same.” “I've got to go back to-night,” said Tommy, craving sympathy. “Yes, the plant might burn down or the horny-handed might get to cutting up. Ah, I see! You are docked the full twenty cents a day during your absence.” But Tommy was busy manoeuvering so that he might say to Marion desperately the least of the million things he wished to say. He told her in a low voice: “You are the most wonderful girl in the world.” She shook her head and smiled. “Yes!” he insisted, with a frown. “I'm glad you think so,” she said, seriously. “Are you?” “Yes,” she said. Then she nodded twice. “Good-by!” He shook hands, unaware that he was pressing hers too tightly for comfort. “Good-by and--good luck!” she said, earnestly. “That means getting back to New York,” said Rivington. “Why don't you try for the selling agency here, you idiot?” “No,” said Tommy, frowning as he thought of the new reason, “it means my making good in Dayton.” And from Sherry's he went straight to the station and bought his railroad ticket for Dayton. He would leave that same night. From the ticket-office he went home to pack. His father was in the library reading his newspaper. The little parlor on the first floor was a much more comfortable room, but Mr. Leigh religiously did all his reading in the library by the table whereon were the family Bible, the ivory paper-cutter, and the fading photograph of his wife in its silver frame. The old man nodded gravely as Tommy entered. “Were you more successful to-day, Thomas?” he asked, calmly. “Yes, dad. Colonel Willetts took the entire block. He was very nice about it. I--suppose I have to thank you for it.” “You don't have to thank me; thank your friend, Mr. Thompson. It is a good business proposition.” Mr. Leigh nodded, as if his own statement needed his confirmation. At least that is the way it impressed Tommy. “I'm going back to-night, father, and--” “So soon?” interrupted Mr. Leigh, quickly. The look of alarm that came into his eyes vanished before Tommy could see it. “Yes, sir. By the way, I have Colonel Willetts's check. He told me I might get it certified at the bank, but I--I didn't.” Tommy distinctly remembered why he had not entered the bank. But all he said was, “It was after banking hours.” “If you wish I can have it done and mail it to you.” “I'd like to take it back with me,” said Tommy; “but I suppose I can't.” “It isn't necessary to have it certified. The bank will surely pay it. You would like to take it with you and give it to Thompson yourself?” The old man's hands, unseen by Tommy, clenched tightly. “Of course I would,” laughed Tommy, who naturally had dramatized his own triumphant return to Dayton.