It was not cowardice that decided Tommy. Nevertheless, he must be a man. Therefore, Tommy's problem changed itself into the simple proposition of working hard and doing his best. Then, whatever came, he would take it like a man. He forgot that he had already decided to do so several times. And so, toward the end, he became very impatient to reach the Tecumseh shop, where the work was that must be his salvation. He went straight to the office and, learning that Mr. Thompson was there, walked into the private office--without knocking, of course. “Hello, Tommy! I thought you were in New York,” said Thompson. He did not offer to shake hands, but that merely made Tommy feel that he really had not been away from Dayton at all. It, therefore, pushed New York at least five thousand miles eastward. “Well, I got the check,” began Tommy, very calmly, as though it were nothing unusual. But Thompson did not smile at the boyish pose. He asked, quickly, “Not checks?” and emphasized the plural. “The stock will be apportioned later,” explained Tommy, hastily, realizing that Thompson had intended him to interest several people. “They are all friends, sir.” “Tell me all about it,” said Thompson. And Tommy did. In order not to have to explain at all what he could not explain in full, he did not mention his father's participation. “Well, Tommy,” Mr. Thompson spoke musingly, “you are a lucky boy. Guard against it. Try to feel that you must earn your successes, even if you don't have to work as hard as other men. Otherwise, they will mean nothing to you. And now what do you propose to do?' “Get a receipt for the money. The stock is to be made out to John B. Kendrick.” “Go to Holland and tell him what you want done. If you have no other plans--” He looked inquiringly at Tommy. “No, sir,” hastily said Tommy. “Your job is still Door Opener.” “Very well, sir.” Tommy tinned to go, but Thompson called to him. “Tommy!” “Yes, sir?” “I'm glad to see you back.” And Thompson held out his hand. Tommy shook it. He had received neither praise nor congratulations, but he knew now that this was the place for him. “If you can, after you're done with Holland, come back here and I'll show you some architectural drawings that have just come in, of the new shop.” “I'll hurry back,” said Tommy, happily. He hastened down-town to the Tecumseh Building, saw Bob Holland, the treasurer of the company, gave him the check, got his receipt, told him to make out the stock certificates to John B. Kendrick, and received the promise that the certificates would go to New York within an hour. Thompson was busy with some visitors when Tommy returned to the office, and Tommy gladly took advantage of the opportunity to walk round the shop, delighted to see the friends of whom he had forgotten to think in New York, but who, nevertheless, were so glad to see him. This was the place in life, where he could be the new Tommy Leigh to his heart's content.