When I was graduated, I accepted a position with a big firm in its engineering service.

Within a year I was notified that I could have a five months' lay-off, as they call it.

At the end of that period, if matters improved, I was to have my place back.

Out of my wages I saved a couple of hundred dollars, but it dwindled as I drifted through weeks of idleness.

There was nothing for me to do, try as I would to find a place.