"I am very fond of flowers, Theo," explained the mill-owner after he had greeted his office force and introduced his guest. "It is my weak spot--my one big extravagance. This room has just the exposure for plants and we keep the boxes filled the year round. The boys have nicknamed the place _the conservatory_ and the jest has stuck until nobody thinks of calling the place anything else. If you were to ask a man to come to the office he would have to scratch his head and think; but if you told him he was wanted in the conservatory he would land here double quick. Isn't that so?" concluded Mr. Croyden, turning to the others. Every one smiled and nodded. Mr. Croyden hung up his hat and motioning Theo to do the same turned to encounter a pile of mail that lay on his desk. "Bless my soul, this is too bad!" he exclaimed. "Don't tell me that to-day when I had planned to make a tour through the factory Uncle Sam has come down on me with all this stuff!" He glanced ruefully at the letter lying topmost on the heap; then at the second one. "I am afraid these will have to be attended to, Theo," he said with regret. "Should you be dreadfully disappointed if I were to turn you over to some one else for a part of your factory pilgrimage?" "No, indeed, sir." "I am sorry, but I guess that is what I shall have to do," declared Mr. Croyden. "You can make a start, and later in the morning I will try to join you myself." He touched a bell. "Send Marwood to me," he said to the boy. "Mr. Marwood is a splendidly informed man, Theo; and more than that, he is a delightful one. You will enjoy him, and I have a notion he will enjoy you. He likes boys--has three of his own, lucky fellow! Ah, here he comes now. Mr. Marwood, this is my young friend, Theo Swift of New York." The boy put out his hand shyly. The eyes that met his were of the kindliest blue; and the face they illumined was ruddy, wholesome, and alert. Instantly Theo decided that since Mr. Croyden himself could not be his guide he had at least provided a very pleasant substitute. "Theo wants to see everything there is to be seen, Jack," continued Mr. Croyden. "Tote him all about and answer all his questions; and above all be thorough, even if you do not cover very much ground during the morning. I want the processes carefully explained, for this boy may be a china-maker himself some day. If I do not join you before noontime bring all that is left of him back to the conservatory so I can take him to lunch." Mr. Marwood laughed, and so did Theo. Then they passed out. "Good luck!" called Mr. Croyden after them as he turned to take up his mail. [Illustration] CHAPTER XV HOW PORCELAIN IS MADE "We'll go to the slip-house first where the clay bins are," Mr. Marwood said to Theo, "that you may start at the very beginning of things. That is where the cars run in and unload the raw material." They walked down a long corridor and rang for the elevator.