What did Mr. Thompson really expect to prove by them? In his efforts to find hidden meanings in Mr. Thompson's casual requests Tommy developed a habit of trying to see into the very heart of all things connected with the company's affairs. Of course he did not always succeed, and doubtless he wasted much mental energy, but the benefits of this education, unconsciously acquired, soon began to tell in Tommy's attitude toward everything and everybody. And since the change took place within him he naturally was the last man to know it.
One day Mr. Thompson rang for him. Tommy answered on the run.
“Leigh,” said Mr. Thompson, rising from his chair, “sit down here.” Then he pointed to a sheaf of papers on his desk. Tommy sat down. He looked at the sheets on the desk before him and saw rows of figures. But before he could learn what the figures represented Mr. Thompson took a lead-pencil from the tray, gave it to Tommy, and said, “The first number of all, Leigh?”
Tommy looked at the top sheet. “Yes,” he said; “it's 8374—”
“No. The first of the cardinal numbers!”
“One?”
“Don't ask me.”
“One!” said Tommy, and blushed.
“Of course.” Mr. Thompson spoke impatiently. “The beginning, the first step. One! Did you ever study numbers?”
“I—” began Tommy, not fully understanding the question. Then, since he did not understand, he said, decidedly, “No, sir!”