After a few years, and wanting a share of profits earned by his inventions, Metcalf asked Alva for a "royalty point or two". Alva's answer was: "Curtis let us dispense with any misconceptions you may be labouring under. You are not "family". You are an "employee". Neither are you "heir apparent". You are a cog in the machine. My machine. You are not "respected", Curtis. You are merely "useful". You may go now". Metcalf's first thought was to quit, but his contract forbade him from working for any competitors: "If wanted to work in field [of expertise, had to do it for Alva".