America; that as a boxer he occupied a position in the forefront of

amateur ranks; and he was quite positive that out-side of the major

leagues there was not a better first baseman.

But in the last few minutes there had dawned upon him the realization

that none of these accomplishments was greatly in demand in the business

world. Jimmy spent a very blue and unhappy hour, and then slowly his

natural optimism reasserted itself, and with it came the realization of

his youth and strength and inherent ability, which, without egotism, he

might claim.

"And then, too," he mused, "I have my diploma. I am a college graduate,

and that must mean something. If dad had only reproached me or

threatened some condign punishment I don't believe I should feel half as

badly as I do. But every line of that letter breathes disappointment in

me; and yet, God bless him, he tells me to come home and spend his money

there. Not on your life! If he won't disinherit me, I am going to

disinherit myself. I am going to make him proud of me. He's the best dad

a fellow ever had, and I am going to show him that I appreciate him."

And so he sat down and wrote his father this reply:

DEAR DAD:

I have your letter and check. You may not believe it, but

the former is worth more to me than the latter. Not,

however, that I spurn the check, which it was just like you

to send without a lot of grumbling and reproaches, even if I

do deserve them.

Your letter shows me what a rotten mess I have made of

myself. I'm not going to hand you a lot of mush, dad, but I

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