The Red Cloud chief., 1913-10-02
BATTERBEE'S TALK
BY kENNEII hARRlA

iuuHn sdlu u tne Junior memOer OF
the firm. Have you noticed how par.
ticularly clipper and independent old
Batterbee has been In his manner
lately"
YES" replied Ehrmann, the Junior
Hes acting too gay altogether. It's
little demoralixing to the ONCE
force. I guess we'd better fre him
and give Tarkins his Job"
He's been with us close on to 20
years. Ehrmann.' said the senior.
irresolutely. and he's faithful and
honest and-cheap. The old man
might find It hard to get another job
at his age"
That's his lookout" said the dap
per-like Ehrmann. blowing a speck OF
dust from his shirt cuff. This isn't an
eleemosynary institution. Tarkins is
cheap. too II you come to that Who
there? Come in"
An elderly man In threadbare OF.
fice coat came into the room and laid
three large canvas.bound books on a
side table. Then he approached the
desk and in a mild voice said: "l'd
like to have a few minutes talk with
you gentlemen. II you are not too
busily engaged
We're busy now. Mr.. Batterbee. -
said the Junior partner. snappishly.
Some other time. What are you
bringing that cash book and those
iedgers for?"
They have some bearing on the
subject I wished to discuss with you.
sir" said Mr. Batterbee. respectfully
but with q curious steadfast look. If
you will excuse me. l think perhaps
It would be we'll to take the matter
up at once. It's rather important"
We'll. 60 ahead. Batterbee." said
the senior partner, tolerantly. Let
him say what he has to say now. Ehr.
mann"
Thank you. SIR" said the subordi.
nate. In the hrst place. l wish to
call your attention to the fact that
have been in the employ Of the house
for 20 years.
I'VE know that" said Mr.. Wallis.
I'm fact. we were Just speaking Of 1t.
"Ah!" said Mr.. Batterbee. Yes!
Well, during that time ! think l may
say that have discharged my Office
duties with zeal. diligence and intelli.
gence. You will grant that. l hope?"
Certainly" admitted Mr.. Wallis.
Nevertheless" continued Mr.. Bat.
terbee. my salary at the present time
10 $25 per week, and considering that
l have a family to support, and"
"See here, Mr.. Batterbee." said Mr.
Ehrmann. I'VE can't help your hav-
ing family, you know. We're not
eleemosynary insti-"
Pardon me-" interrupted Mr.. Bat
terbee. with a dignified wave of the
hand. Il am quite aware of the fact
but merit. perhaps"
Merit cuts no ice with the market
price and the law Of supply and de-
mand."
These books that have brought In
have been carefully examined by you
Mr.. Ehrmann, at least once month
You are an expert accountant, and q
good business man. II there had been
any flaw or fault in them. am sure
you would have detected 1t. and would
not have hesitated to apprise me OF
the fact"
You bet wouldn't have hesitated,' u
said Mr.. Ehrmann, with a short laugh
Then, ! assume. that you have had
no fault to find?"
Mr.. Batterbee." said the senior
partner. gently. II think that we
might cut short discussion which
am afraid can only prove painful. We
cheerfully admit the value of your
services. but. while your salary has
not been large, It has been as much
even more than we could afford to
pay. looking at 1t from a business
point. We can get the same services
performed for us by q younger man
for even less money. Now, ! may
as we'll tell you that we were talk
ing over this very matter. and pro
fits on the business having sensibly
declined In the past few years, we feel
that not only can we advance nc
salaries. but. regret to say. we must
dispense with your services at the
close Of the current week"
That's the size of 1t, Batterbee.'
said Ehrman. briskly. Business ID
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 fol
any increase OF salary. had not the
remotest intention Of doing SO.
want to work for the firm without any
salary at ALL"
What" exclaimed Ehrmann ant
Wallis.
But for a share OF the profits,
continued Mr.. Batterbee. calmly. III
short, propose that you take me into
the firm as an equal partner"
Ehrmann broke into loud laughter
but the senior partner regarded the