CHAPTER II
"I'm closing out my business, son," he told me the next morning. Here was another sharp surprise. I did not look at him as I asked:
"Why are you doing that, sir?"
"It's a long story. Times have changed and I'm getting old."
Again I felt suddenly drawn to him. He was old and no mistake. Why had I never known him till now?
"Look here—Dad." The last word still came awkwardly. "Can't I possibly be any help down there?" He shot an anxious look at me:
"Why, yes. Glad to have you. I still have a young clerk, but I'd rather have you."
Only one clerk! What had gone wrong with his business?