The blow was severe, but I bore it bravely. I was still in my twenties, strong and energetic, and with my experience on the road I surely would succeed in doing something. I broke the news to my wife as gently as I could, but in place of feeling discouraged she seemed rather glad of the change. I clearly recall her words of encouragement—
"You have your youth, your health, and your strength; and any man possessing these qualifications need not fear starvation." She was right.
With a Rival Concern
No sooner had I left my partner, and this time never to return, than I had a call from another rival concern, with an offer of a good position. I accepted immediately, and from the Fall of 1894 up to 1897 I traveled for that concern, as usual working hard, making new friends among the trade who later proved a great asset to me. I induced my new employer to take Joe Neidinger. That was not the time to take new employees, but what I had told him about Joe Neidinger would have sufficed to make room for the boy, whether he was needed or not.
The history of Joe Neidinger's career speaks for itself, and I need not expand on it.
