At this moment there came a sharp rap on the door. Jack opened it, and a messenger, upon ascertaining who he was, handed him a telegram.
Jack tore open the envelope. The inclosed sheet read:
"Congratulations and grateful appreciation. Report immediately.
"Yeou ain't a-goin' back to Europe!" declared Uncle Toby emphatically.
"Don't worry, Uncle," replied Jack. "I don't think it is for that Mr. Jukes wants me."
"Well, if he don't," replied the old captain, "give 'im a bottle of my Golden Embrocation and Universal Remedy for Man and Beast with my compliments."
"All right," laughed Jack as he put the bottle in his pocket, never intending, of course, to carry out the errand.
Jack found Mr. Jukes in earnest conversation with his son, Tom. However, the moment Jack entered, father and son arose.
"Jack," said Mr. Jukes, extending his hand, "let me thank you."
It was said sincerely and simply. Their handclasp was hearty and true.
"Young man," suddenly said Mr. Jukes, sternly addressing Jack, "you are bound to succeed in life. You have the _makings_. You have your trade--or shall I call it profession? But operating wireless is not everything. You can be a wireless operator all your life and your salary will be your only means of keeping the wolf from the door. Too many of our people have to depend on that means of support. Some day I feel it will be different. At all events, I shall make a beginning with you. So Tom and I have decided to give you a number of shares in our Combine."
Thereupon Mr. Jukes went on to explain the value of the shares, instructing Jack just what he should do with them. To tell the truth, Jack had never troubled himself very much with the intricacies of stock values.
Finally Jack left Mr. Jukes' office feeling like a millionaire.
"Strange," mused Jack, "that this good fortune should come to me when thousands of others are losing their all in Europe."
Feeling thus satisfied, Jack decided to acquaint Helen Dennis with the good news. As he strolled down to the dock, he could not help but note that in so far as New York was concerned, the war did not exist. People went about their business in their accustomed way. Beyond the usual set or serious expression characteristic of the average New Yorker when he is engaged in earning his dividends or salary, as the case may be in different instances and walks of life, the average person seemed absolutely unconcerned of the World Tragedy that was unfolding itself across the sea.