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In the last six months since I appointed you assistant manager I am afraid that I

have sort of let things get out of my grasp. I have a lot of confidence in you,

Harold, and now that you and Elizabeth are engaged I feel even more inclined to

let you shoulder the responsibilities that I have carried alone from the inception

of this organization. But I've got to be mighty sure that you are going to do at

least as well as I did. You have shown a great deal of ability, but you are young

and haven't had the advantage of the years of experience that made it possible for

me to finally develop a business second to none in this line in the West.

"I never had a son, and after Elizabeth's mother died I have lived in the hope

somehow that she would marry the sort of chap who would really take the place

of such a son as every man dreams of--some one who will take his place and

carry on his work when he is ready to lay aside his tools. I liked your father,

Harold. He was one of the best friends that I ever had, and I can tell you now

what I couldn't have you a month ago: that when I employed you and put you in

this position it was with the hope that eventually you would fill the place in my

business and in my home of the son I never had."

Do you think Elizabeth guessed what was in your mind?" asked Bince.

I don't know," replied the older man. "I have tried never to say anything to

influence her. Years ago when she was younger we used to talk about it half

jokingly and shortly after you told me of your engagement she remarked to me

one day that she was happy, for she knew you were going to be the sort of son I

had wanted.

"I haven't anybody on earth but her, Harold, and when I die she gets the

business. I have arranged it in my will so you two will share and share alike in

profits after I go, but that will be some time. I am far from being an old man, and

I am a mighty healthy one. However, I should like to be relieved of the active

management. There are a lot of things that I have always wanted to do that I

couldn't do because I couldn't spare the time from my business.

The Efficiency Expert