I followed that very closely and I say without hesitation that it was a remarkably fine bit of work and the reactions were of the best.

Jack, I believe that you would make a great manager if you gave yourself to it, and thought it worth while.

Now, listen to me." Thereupon the father proceeded to lay before his son the immediately pressing problems in the business--the financial obligations already assumed, the heavy accumulation of stock for which there were no markets, the increasing costs in production with no hope of relief, but rather every expectation of added burdens in this direction.
As he listened to his father, Jack was appalled with what he considered the overwhelmingly disastrous situation in which the business was placed.

At the same time he saw his father in a new light.

This silent, stern, reserved man assumed a role of hero in his eyes, facing desperate odds and silently fighting a lonely and doubtful battle.