Instead of replying, David threw down his drawing instruments and left the room. He headed straight for his father’s office. Arrived there he was told by a secretary to sit down in the ante-room; his father had given orders not to admit him until he should ring for him. So! He knew about it already! Wellman had forestalled him by using the telephone. It was just as well that he had. His father would have the chief’s version of the affair and be ready to hear the other side of it. A buzzer sounded and the secretary nodded to him to enter. For a moment the elder Jones did not notice him. Then he turned abruptly in his chair and faced his son. “What have you got to say?” he asked, not unkindly and rather sadly. “Wellman told you what happened, I suppose.” “Yes. He just called up. I want to hear your side of the matter.” David gave an accurate account of the occurrence from beginning to end, while his father listened resignedly. “Wellman is an old and valued employe, but I think this time he went too far. Disregarding the fact that you are my son, I am inclined to believe that you were not at fault--in fact, I am rather proud of the way you handled the situation. Still, that does not settle the issue. That office is too small for you and Wellman; so Wellman will have to go.” David could not believe his ears and for a moment he was speechless. “You don’t mean that you are going to fire him?” he asked finally. “Yes. He went too far. The two of you would always be at odds after this and it would demoralize the whole department. I am sorry, but Wellman will receive his notice today.” “I don’t want to see him lose his job. He is old and would have a hard time to find another. Why not keep him and let me out?” “Because I want you to learn this business thoroughly; you may be called upon to take my place some day. You are just starting life. Your welfare is my first consideration.” David saw his chance at last. “If that is true,” he quickly interposed, “don’t start me on the wrong track. I do not want to stay in this business. I hate it. I tried to make good only to please you. If you are really thinking of my welfare, let me pick out my own work.” “What is wrong with this? It offers most unusual opportunities for great and lasting success.” “I know, but somehow or other I don’t seem to fit in. I dislike the city and all business. I want to go away where there is room to expand and to learn big things of another kind.” “Remember the possibilities I just mentioned. You might some day erect a building taller than any of today or build a cathedral that would be a monument to your genius.”