The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-28

II A-Q VI AASSlA for something you don. even know you'll be fitted for?''
 That was enough.
 Valdon had been a boy-a very fool ish one in his time But he had be- come such a successful architect be- cause he had profited by his mis- takes. There was not going to be any mistake here. This was an im- portant piece of business to attend to which must be done with more preci- sion than the building of aiy house!
 He hung up his hat and his cane, took off his coat. rolled up hls sleeves. Then he turned and faced Bob.
 Sit down over there, kid-little kid" he emphasized.
 Maybe I've been doting old blithering idiot with you-but l swear I'll attempt a good. sound thrashiEg of you even at my age, If you attempt to cut your throat in any such way as you plan. This town is full of lawyers. There are three times enough to cake care of the trade. It's a good profession, and a most honorable one, I'll admit. But We just don't need any more lawyers. Then it's difficult, uphill. unthank- fuI job-ask any lawyer. Futher- more, l don't want you to do it. It's not to your best interest"
 The boy sat still
 Why do you want to be lawyer?"
 Bob met him square.
 Big Possibilities
 Because the profession has unlim- tied possibilities. If not here-he ,f then elsewhere in some big city,
 A queer little twitch of the lips was visible in the architects express sion.
 Boy" he stated, T feel I detect the spirit of eternal youth speaking in you. Elsewhere Is a very vague term. It's a bad rock in the road to success.
 Elsewhere conditions are just about the same as at home; and 'un- limited possibilities are open to most folks right at their own doors. I've watched this game for a whole life time, and the man who Is perpetually changing, perpetually looking for big chance somewhere else, misses most frequently the mountainous oppor- tunity right at hand.
 You've already got your stride as an architect. Hang to what you've learned. and make your practical ex- perience the foundation rock of your future success. In this way, there will be no lost motion"
 T don't know how you mean." de- manded Bob.
 The architect hesitated.
 Bob Landon," he addressed the scout sharply, have you any faith in meT
 T have, sir-the utmost"
 The old man listened to this, searching Bobs eyes.
 "Is that faith and confidence strong enough for you to let me start you in the right diection?"
 What do you mean?"
 T have a plan for you. I have been thinking this out for sometime. A bright man can succeed here at the real estate game-and succeed big. l want that to be you. l have meant to take it up with you before, but the time had not seemed ripe. l fear the shrewd employer squinted-"that 1 am a bit tardy now"
 "No,' asserted Bob, who had begun to feel that what his employer was saying was most commonsense. NO, hope that l am not such fool that I am not open to conviction at any time, Mir Valdon. 1 think you have pretty thoroughly set me an example along that line"
 All right. boy. Now What is your main idea in quitting the profes- sion of an architect?"
 Pay Needed
 More money" admitted Bob.
 "All right. we'll give you more money"
 T haven't asked that. sir said Bob. T wanted to become a lawyer for my life profession
 But you ain't particularly drawn 10 lawyering?"
 You could be persuaded to try something else?"
 "Yes, if it's better for me"
 The old architect warmed up.
 Then would it surprise you If l told you that l want you to take charge of my whole business"
 Bob gasped. It was answer enough
 Later I want you to actually own it when l retire. You are bit too young yet, to be known as the whole firm, but to all intents and purposes we will plan that the business is 10 become yours. You will need my guiding hand for sometime to come. With the new job you will be paid not only on a liberal salary, but commission basis as well.
 Real Estate
 'In addition to this We will add' on the side, this real estate business. ] know there is big money in that, and that, managed properly, your gains after a while will make you independent-and indeed bring you that wealth every man wants to at- tain that is own loved ones may be comfortable. You are like my son to me-
 Bob was not the kind of youth to argue He recognized sound busi- ness proposition the same as he rec ognized- good hat when he put his hands upon it. The way out mad miraculously opened.
 T am ready to do exactly as you say, MT. Valdon." he responded. When do we start?"
 This minute" responded the em- ployer