The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-10-17


declined in the past few years, we feel
salaries, but. regret to say, we must
dispense with your services at the
close of the current week"
That's the size of it, Batterbee."
said Ehrman, briskly. Business is
business"
Just So" said Mr.. Batterbee. Now;
let's get down to business. To be-
gin with, you gentlemen have misun-
derstood me. am not asking you for
any increase Of salary. / had not the
remotest intention OF doing so.
want to work for the Arm without any
salary at ALL"
What" exclaimed Ehrmann and
Wallis.
But for share of the profits"
continued Mr.. Batterbee, calmly. I'm
short. propose that you take me into
the firm as an equal partner"
Ehrmann broke into loud laughter,
but the senior partner regarded the
elderly clerk with close and serious
attention.
IF you don't mind. will sit down."
said Mr.. Batterbee, drawing up a
chair. Standing very long fatigues
me, find. Mr.. Ehrmann, If you feel
that you are sufficiently recovered,
will go on. OF course. must show
you how you would be justified in
taking the step l propose. Possibly
this might interest you to start with"
He drew a brown leather covered
bank book from his pocket, and
handed 1t to Mr.. Wallis. "You will
Observe" he continued, that the ac-
count was opened with the bank in
January, 1890. If remember rightly,
It was one month after my third un-
successful application for an increase
of salary. You win observe that the
deposits have been made at regular
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-annuallyv
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 it?" he asked
with starting eyes.
Mr.. Batterbee smiled easily. Il
thought you would be likely to ask
me that time-honored question" he
said. AT the same time you must
q 90
shall not tell it-for It 10 not In that
bank now. It Is accessible, but not
that bank.
Il fancy, gentlemen" he resumed.
after silent pause, during which the
partners looked into each others
eyes. II fancy that you have your
spicions-entirely groundless, OF
course, as Mr.. Ehrmann can testify,
he having carefully examined my &C
counts. / think, Mr.. Ehrmann, you
will admit that the man who could
embezzle $4,000, 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 Enrmann, btaFueu inIV III
voluntary admiration.
II 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, l 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 it you want?"
i've told you already" said Mr..
Batterbee. I'm trying to make you
recognize the fact that I'm q man
man with flesh and blood. and
brains and spirit, and not a damned
machine" he added. fercely and
bringing his fist down on the desk