Bridgeton pioneer., 1913-10-09

l placed TO my CTeulI. Inc luleIeSt
has been compounded semi-annually-
| and altogether the sum total is now
nearly 100000"
Mr.. Wallis gasped and handed the
bank book to Mr.. Ehrmann, who
turned pale as he looked over the
columns of figures.
Where did you get it2' he asked
with starting eyes.
Mr.. Batterbee smiled easily. i
thought you would be likely to ask
me that time-honored question" he
said. "At the same time you must
pardon me If l decline to answer it.
/ shall not tell it-for 1t Is not in that
bank now. 1t Ia accessible, but not
that bank
Il fancy, gentlemen" he resumed,
after a silent pause, during which the
partners looked into each others
eyes. II fancy that you have your
uspicions-entirely groundless, Of
course, as Mr.. Ehrmann can testify,
he having carefully examined my ac-
counts. | think, Mr.. Ehrmann, you
will admit that the man who could
embezzle 100000, under your very
nose ian altogether ridiculous supposi-
tion), would be a man of no ordinary
ability
IF you have, you're a dandy" ex-
claimed Ehrmann, startled into In
voluntary admiration.
Il am not talking Of myself" cor
rected Mr.. Batterbee. please bear
that in mind. / may say, however,
that If, finding ordinary and conven-
tional methods of demonstrating the
fact that had ability had failed, had
taken such a peculiar course, my
natural honesty would lead me to
make full restitution
He repossessed himself OF the bank
book that Ehrmann had laid down,
and waited.
"Se here. Batterbee." said the
senior partner, suddenly, dropping his
hitherto sauve manner, and speaking
quickly and uneasily. stop beating
the bush, and come down to hard
facts. We're not babies Now, what
Is 1t you want?"
I've told you already" said Mr..
Batterbee. I'm trying to make you
recognize the fact that I'm a man
man with flesh and blood, and
brains and spirit, and not damned
machine" he added. fiercely and
bringing his fist down on the desk
with bang. IF l have proved that
to you-by 20 hard years In your
service" he resumed, in his custom
ary even tones, "if your daily observa-
tion of me has proved to you that l
have the business at my fingers ends
in all its branches, and that l could
extend and revivify the business If /
had chance; If your known generos-
ity, coupled with your self interest in
clines you to reward me-then l ask
you to take me into partnership, as
have said"
How about restitution" asked
Ehrmann
Nothing about restitution replied
Mr. Batterbee Il don't understand
your allusion. It occurs to me to men
ton that IL the considerations / have
mentioned impel you to offer me the
partnership, I would be quite willing
to put little capital into the concern
say s90.000-the savings Of my mod
est little salary. gentlemen"
I'VE must have time to consider
your proposition. Mr.. Batterbee." said
Mr.. Wallis at last.
Very well, sir" said MI Batterbee.
IF you will allow me an hours leave
Of absence from the Office, l will re-
turn by that time with my attorney,
who will provide himself with the
necessary contract for your signature.
if you think favorably of the idea I
have submitted"
Within the appointed time Mr. Bat
terbee and his legal friend appeared
and were conducted into the private
of the firm. Mr. Wallis welcomed
them with a smiling face. Mr.. Ehr-
mann looked sulky. but he. too, rose
and shook hands.
We'll, Mr.. Batterbee," said Mr..
Wallis, Il believe that you have rath-
er more than an inkling of what am
about to say. 1t gives me genuine
pleasure to tell you that in considera-
ton of your long and faithful services,
and as a mark of our recognition and
appreciation OF your ability. Mr.. Ehr-
mann and myself have decided to ask
you to come into the firm"
(Copyright by Daily Story Pub Cnl