I believe I am well grounded in Business—also, in Work.
When I was twelve years old my father transferred Ali Baba to the garden—and I did the chores around the house and barn for a dollar a week. From that day forward I earned every dollar that ever came to me.
I fed the printing-press at four dollars a week. Then, when we purchased a gas-engine, I was promoted to be engineer, and given a pair of long overalls.
Two or three years later I was moved into the General Office, where I opened mail and filled in orders.
Again, I was promoted into the Private Office and permitted to sign my name under my Father's, on checks.
Then the responsibility of purchasing materials was given me.
One time or another I have worked in every Department of the Roycroft Shops.
My association with Elbert Hubbard has been friendly, brotherly. I have enjoyed his complete confidence—and I have tried to deserve it.
He believed in me, loved me, hoped for me. Whether I disappointed him at times is not important. I know my average must have pleased him, because the night he said Farewell to the Roycrofters he spoke well of me, very well of me, and he left the Roycroft Institution in my charge.
He sailed away on the "Lusitania" intending to be gone several weeks. His Little Journey has been prolonged into Eternity.