‘an ide what itis.”

“mmellsi aI hadn't chang di. AH} his ‘best methories where found ‘here, in the home: of his: youth:
“There's omething: troubling you. dimamty,” Lars broke the silence, “and T have” .

His father’s insight into the depths of his mind had often been a troubling
inconvenience. ‘But now there was some conifort in Anowing that his father would .
understand... Would offer:some of that. simple common sense logic that no one could dispute. _-

sal You're working for'Milton Jovial,” Lars continued. “Things aren’t going all that well and; i
you re e not: sure what to do... Particularly considering: your age.”
‘Age? This from a‘man who looked like a founding member of the California Raisins.
os =8"Yourre. right," Jimmy: sighed, wisely keeping the raisin thing to himself. “Except
for the'age thing...” -
. © “Another point. seored,” Lars smiled shiewdly. Then after a brief pause, “What
Tm trying to say is that it was'éxactly forty years ago this spring that I helped you form
‘ your company, Widget Contracting. Even through my eyes that’s a long time Ag0..
‘Nearly half my life. tlre. :

Jimmy, it takes tremendous dedication and: talent to survive in this
business for.that length of time:.: Many of your friends didn’t. And I think yow’re
just a ‘little battle-weary dnd worn. Perhaps a rest... an extended holiday.”
:«Jiinmy looked at his father in surprise. For the first time since he could
remember, his father had‘missed the point. He was wrong,

. MNO father, not: battle-weary. Wiser. Much: wiser, and getting close to _
waving:the white flag.”: vay _
‘Now Lars was surprised. His son-was: not aman to give up. Jimmy
didn't notice his father’s concerned gaze.
« Pin no longer certain: there’ sa future j in-this business,” he continued.
4 think.I want out.” rn
Tm not sure things dre really that bad Jimmy. Forestry has always had its.
ups and: downs, but you’ve:always remained on a steady course.”
‘e: But, dad, what if I’'m'right? What if I'm right... What if I make the *
wrong moves-now and take the rest of the family down with me?” .

' / {he concern in:Lars’ face was apparent. His son’s difficulty was
“Obviously much more serious sthan ‘he had first thought. It was time to get
everything out in the open. . " en

., Jimmy,” Lars: said: ‘as she headed to the side table for a fresh cigar. oe Re
“Why don’t you sit down ~ — start from the: beginning.” pete Fe
vod aids wp ps