By this time they had reached the wireless house. Willie’s eyes opened wide in astonishment as he saw the magnificent wireless outfit. “Whew!” he whistled. “That’s a dandy set. Won’t you show it to me?” “Sure,” said Roy, “but first tell me about the fellows at home. How’s the Wireless Patrol coming on? And what are the fellows all doing? Tell me about them.” “There is mighty little to tell you that you don’t already know, Roy. We’ve told you by wireless everything that’s worth telling. Charley Russell is still a forest ranger and doing well. He’s getting ahead fast. And Alec is making good in the oyster business. We had a letter from him telling us how you saved him and his friends when their ship became disabled in a storm in the Delaware Bay and drifted to sea. That was a wonderful rescue, Roy. Gee whiz! We fellows of the Wireless Patrol were proud of you.” “Rats! I hadn’t anything to do with the rescue. Captain Lansford is the man who saved Alec and his friends. I merely caught his SOS.” “We know all about how much you had to do with it. We know that Alec would never have been saved if you hadn’t been at your post, doing your duty. We know——” “Forget it, Willie, and tell me about the bunch. I’m crazy to know all about them.” “Well, I was just running through the list. Next comes Roy Mercer,” and Willie’s eyes twinkled. “He’s become famous as the wireless operator——” Willie dodged just in time to miss a book that Roy shied at him. “Tell me something about yourself, Willie. It’s some time now since Commencement, and I suppose you have a fine job all salted away for autumn delivery. What are you going to do with yourself, Willie?” All the joy went out of Willie’s face. His eyes sought the floor. “I—I—I—I haven’t anything in prospect, Roy,” he said gloomily. “You’re too particular, Willie. A fellow can’t always get the job he wants just at the start.” “I can’t get any job at all, Roy. That’s the hard part of it.” “Get out! A boy with your ability and with a high school diploma and with your good record as a student! Of course you can get a job. You’re too particular, that’s all.” “If only that was the case, Roy, I’d be the happiest fellow in the world. But it isn’t a matter of being particular. I can’t get any job at all.” Poor Willie looked so sober that Roy laughed outright. Then, seeing the hurt look on Willie’s face, he said: “Forgive me, Willie. But you pulled such a funny face I just couldn’t help laughing. And anyway, I know you’re mistaken. Why, business men everywhere are constantly on the lookout for bright young fellows like you, Willie.” For a long time Willie was silent. “Perhaps they are,” he admitted gloomily. “But they want them lar—lar”—he appeared almost to choke over the word—“they want them larger.”