"I have been here a year. Jarvis has been here a little longer than that," answered Steve.
"Just so. In that time you two have proved yourselves out. You have done well all that has been given to you to do, and you have gone somewhat beyond that, I may add," said Mr. Penton, with a smile. "I want to ask you a personal question."
"Yes, sir."
"Is it your intention to remain in the mines permanently?"
Steve thought a moment before replying.
"I have thought that I should like to familiarize myself with the entire iron and steel business. After I have learned all I can in the mines, I think I should like to go on—to go further——"
"The mills, for instance——"
"Yes, sir."
Bob Jarvis nodded his approval of what Steve had said.
"I rather thought so. While I shall not want to lose you, you may rest assured that I shall leave nothing undone to push you along. You have a career before you, each of you. The keynote of success in the industrial world is patriotism. There is patriotism for flag and country and there is another kind as well—patriotism of achievement. It is this patriotism which accomplishes great works in the industrial world. Without it our great industries could not exist."