er is？〃 I asked。
〃No； but we'll soon find out。〃
Suddenly； Mike's dad burst through the rickety screen door and onto the porch。 Mike and I jumped to our feet； not out of respect but because we were startled。
〃Ready boys？〃 Mike's dad asked as he pulled up a chair to sit down
with us。
We nodded our heads as we pulled our chairs away from the wall to sit in front of him。
He was a big man； about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds。 My dad was taller； about the same weight； and five years older than Mike's dad。 They sort of looked alike； though not of the same ethnic makeup。 Maybe their energy was similar。
〃Mike says you want to learn to make money？ Is that correct； Robert？〃
I nodded my head quickly； but with a little intimidation。 He had a lot of power behind his words and smile。
〃OK； here's my offer。 I'll teach you； but I won't do it classroom…style。 You work for me； I'll teach you。 You don't work for me； I won't teach you。 I can teach you faster if you work； and I'm wasting my time if you just want to sit and listen； like you do in school。 That's my offer。 Take it or leave it。〃
〃Ah。。。 may I ask a question first？〃 I asked。
〃No。 Take it or leave it。 I've got too much work to do to waste my time。 If you can't make up you mind decisively； then you'll never learn to make money anyway。 Opportunities e and go。 Being able to know when to make quick decisions is an important skill。 You have an opportunity that you asked for。 School is beginning or it's over in ten seconds；〃 Mike's dad said with a teasing smile。
〃Take it；〃 I said。 ‘
〃Take it；〃 said Mike。
〃Good；〃 said Mike's dad。 〃Mrs。 Martin will be by in ten minutes。 After I'm through with her； you ride with her to my superette and you can beg
