Braithwaite remembers back to his discharge from the RAF. Due to his education and training, a career officer tells him he should have no trouble finding employment, giving him a letter of introduction.Enthusiastic about his potential opportunities, Braithwaite vacations with the Belmonts, a kindly, elderly couple he meets during the war, with whom he then goes to live. He interviews at the Appointment Office, explaining his qualifications, and his interviewers give him a list of three vacancies. He feels “on top of the world” (35) when he goes to his first interview at a prestigious firm, but is received coldly by the receptionist despite his impeccable appearance. He is interviewed by four men, one of whom shakes his hand, feeling like “I was holding my own, and even enjoying it” (36). However, at the end of the interview, they tell him that they cannot give him a position of authority over their “English employees” as it would “adversely affect the balance of good relationship…in this firm” (37). They then also tell him that any lower position would not be suitable for his experience and education, and so they refuse to employ him.

During his time in RAF, Braithwaite had forgotten about racism, as the war had erased many prejudices.