The Red Cloud chief., 1913-10-02

interval ever since, but In increasing
amounts: also that no charges have
been drawn against these sums.
placed TO my credit. The interest
has been compounded semi-annually.
and altogether the sum total 10 now
nearly 100000"
Mr.. Wallis sasped and handed the
bank book to MIR. Ehrmann, who
turned pale as he looked over the
columns Of figures.
Where did you get ~" he asked
with starting eyes.
Mr. Batterbee smiled easily. y
thought you would be likely to ask
me that time.honored question:" he
said AT the same time you must
! pardon me II I decline to answer 1t.
| shall not tell it--for II is not In that
bank now. II is accessible. but not
that bank.
Il fancy. gentlemen" he resumed,
after a silent pause. during which the
partners looked into each others
eyes. Il fancy that you have your
suspicious entirely Rroundless. OF
course. as MIR. Ehrmann can testify,
he having carefully examined my &C
counts. I think, Mr. Ehrmann. you
will admit that the man who could
embezxle $4,000. under your very
nose Tan altogether ridiculous supposi.
tom. would be a man OF no ordinary
ability"
III you have, you're q 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 II. finding ordinary and conven'
tional methods Of demonstrating the
fact that had ability had failed. had
taken such 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
IL II you want?"
I've told you already" said Mr..
Batterbee. I'm trying to make you
recognize the fact that I'm man
man with flesh and blood, and
brains and spirit, and not q damned
machine" he added, fiercely and
bringing his fist down OH the desk
with n bang. III ! have proved that
to you--by 20 hard years In your
service" he resumed. In his custom.
airy even tones, III your daily observa-
ton OF me has proved to you that
have the business ut my fingers ends
in all It's branches, and that ! could
| extend and revivify the business II
had a chance; II your known generos.
ity. coupled with your self interest i'll
clines you to reward me-then | 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. 1t occurs to me to men
tioif- that II the considerations ! have
mentioned impel you to offer me the
partnership, l would be quite willing
to put little capital into the concern
say $90000-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 Mr.. Batterbee.
IF you will allow me All hours leave
of absence from the Office. will re-
turn by that time with my attorney,
who will provide himself with the
necessary contract for your signature,
II you think favorably of the idea
have submitted
Within the appointed time Mr. Bat
terbee and his legal friend appeared
and were conducted into the private
of the firm. MIR. 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 mark Of our recognition and
appreciation Of your ability, Mr.. Ehr-
mann and myself have decided to ask
you to come into the firm."