But I talked straight up. I told him I wanted to become a
practical electrician, that I was unafraid of work, that I was used to
hard work, and that all he had to do was look at me to see I was fit and
strong. I told him that I wanted to begin right at the bottom and work
up, that I wanted to devote my life to this one occupation and this one
employment.

The superintendent beamed as he listened. He told me that I was the
right stuff for success, and that he believed in encouraging American
youth that wanted to rise. Why, employers were always on the lookout for
young fellows like me, and alas, they found them all too rarely. My
ambition was fine and worthy, and he would see to it that I got my
chance. (And as I listened with swelling heart, I wondered if it was his
daughter I was to marry.)

"Before you can go out on the road and learn the more complicated and
higher details of the profession," he said, "you will, of course, have to
work in the car-house with the men who install and repair the motors.
(By this time I was sure that it was his daughter, and I was wondering
how much stock he might own in the company.)

"But," he said, "as you yourself so plainly see, you couldn't expect to
begin as a helper to the car-house electricians. That will come when you
have worked up to it. You will really begin at the bottom. In the
car-house your first employment will be sweeping up, washing the windows,
keeping things clean. And after you have shown yourself satisfactory at
that, then you may become a helper to the car-house electricians."

I didn't see how sweeping and scrubbing a building was any preparation
for the trade of electrician; but I did know that in the books all the
boys started with the most menial tasks and by making good ultimately won
to the ownership of the whole concern.

"When shall I come to work?" I asked, eager to launch on this dazzling
career.

"But," said the superintendent, "as you and I have already agreed, you
must begin at the bottom. Not immediately can you in any capacity enter
the car-house. Before that you must pass through the engine-room as an
oiler."

My heart went down slightly and for the moment as I saw the road lengthen
between his daughter and me; then it rose again. I would be a better
electrician with knowledge of steam engines. As an oiler in the great
engine-room I was confident that few things concerning steam would escape
me. Heavens! My career shone mor