“I know that I want to work.”
“Yes, but it ought to be work that you are competent to do.”
“I am not competent to do any work that calls for experience and training. I have to learn, no matter where I go, and so—Father, I've got to pay back what you have—spent for me! I must! It will take time, but I'll do it, and the sooner I start, the better I'll feel.”
Mr. Leigh looked at his son steadily, searchingly, almost hungrily. Then the old man's gaze wavered and indecision came into his eyes. “Thomas, I—”
“I'll write you, father.” Tommy looked away, his father's face had grown haggard so suddenly.
He heard the old man say, “You must take enough money to pay for your return in case you find the work uncongenial.”
“I won't find any work uncongenial,” said Tommy, very positively. He knew!
“One can never tell, my son. It is wise to be prepared. I will give you—”
“No, no, father!” Then Tommy said, determinedly, “I cannot take any money from you.” He looked at his father full in the eye.
Mr. Leigh hesitated. Then he asked: “How do you expect to go? You can't walk.”