My father was a fine mechanic. He (loved) engines. And certanly
I, too, should (have fallen) in love with engines and automobiles. (Do not forget)
that even before I could (walk), the workshop (was/had been) my playroom. My father
(put) me there so that he could (keep) an eye on me all day long. My
toys were springs and pistons that (were lying) around all over the place, and
these, I can (promise) you, (were) far more fun (to play) with than most of
the plastic toys most children (are given) nowadays. When I (had grown) older
and (was) five years old, my father (talked) to me about school. He (laid) a
hand on my sholder. "I (want) you (to become) a great mechanic. You (have learnt)
a lot already. But when you (grow) up, I (hope) you (will become) a great
engineer, a man who (will make) better engines for automobiles and airplanes.
For that you (need) a really good education".