Octavus Roy Cohen and Manning J. Rubin

“ He seemed to be staring at the ceiling, yet Jim knew that those keen gray eyes had not left his face for an instant. Dodge thought carefully; then he spoke, as always, with a predominant tone of positiveness in his voice.
"A young man like you," he remarked evenly, "should never be content merely to hold a job such as you have. You should be ambitious—"
"I am, sir."
"I'm afraid you don't show it. Now I'm going to speak very frankly to you, young man. I'm afraid the past five years have tended to edge you into a rut, and I never like to see a man in a rut. ”

“ Dodge's expression was very grave, but his eyes were dancing quizzically.
"Why, yes, sir—I'm overwhelmed. I accept—yes, sir!"
"Good! Shake!"
Jim extended his hand, and Dodge gripped his fingers in a bone-crushing grasp.
"That's settled. The new order of things will go into effect to-morrow morning. Of course, I had my reasons for this. You see, I didn't want a one-man concern any longer. The business is getting very large, and more than one man is required to look after it. There are a great many minor details and loose ends which, at first, will constitute your province. ”

“ Meanwhile you must be studying, studying, studying. I have been looking for a man who is a plugger, who is ambitious, whom I can trust, and who will appreciate his responsibilities. I have watched you carefully. With the proper amount of work and application, I believe you can fill the bill."
"Yes, sir."
Somehow, when there was so much to be said at this hour of the realization of his wildest dreams, Jim found himself at a loss for words.
"There's money in it—good money," continued Dodge; "but it won't be a snap. The work you have been doing for the past five years will be easy in comparison. ”

“ If you will promise me that you will work hard, very hard— that you will study me, and men, and business—then I think I shall find myself in a position to offer you a post of responsibility, of authority, with the Dodge Manufacturing Company. ”

“ Jim laughed ripplingly—delight, surprise, wonder in his voice. "Yes, sir. I hardly need to say that!" Dodge's manner—his friendliness, frankness, encouragement—was inspirational to the young man. "I—I'd like to say how thankful I am, Mr. Dodge—"
"Don't say it," snapped Dodge. "Show it! You'll have plenty of chance."
"But I must say something. You—you're bringing true my wildest dreams. You've made me realize things. I'm going to work harder than I ever dreamed a man could work ”

“ You'll have to learn to keep your eyes and ears open, and your mouth shut. You've been recommended to me as industrious, sober, and sensible. Of course, you'll have to cultivate a little more pepper and git-up-and-git—and I believe you can do it. ”