The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-10-17
BATTERDEE'S TALK
BY KENNETH HARRIS.

ne senior partner OF Walnb ~ hnI-
mann said to the junior member 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.
He's acting too gay altogether. It's
little demoralizing to the Office
force. guess we'd better fire 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 1t har6 to get another job
at his age"
That's his lookout" said the dap
perlike 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's
there? Come In"
An elderly man in a threadbare Of
nee 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: "Td
like to have a few minutes talk with
you gentlemen, If you are not too
busily engaged"
We're busy now, Mr.. Batteries" !"
said the junior partner, snappishly.
Some other time. What are you
bringing that cash book and those
ledgers for?"
They have some bearing on the
subject / wished to discuss with you,
sir" said Mr.. Batterbee. respectfully
but with a curious steedfast look. IF
you will excuse me, l think perhaps
1t would be well to take the matter
up at once. It's rather important
We'll, go 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 first place, 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,
In fact, we were Just speaking of 1t.
had mentioned 1t to Mr.. Ehrmann.' y
"Ahl" said Mr.. Batterbee. "Yesl
Well, during that time ! think may
say that l have discharged my office
duties with zeal, diligence and intelli-
gence You will grant that, hopper
Certainly" admitted MIR. Wallis.
Nevertheless" continued Mr.. Bat.
terbee, my salary at the present time
is $25 per week, and considering that
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
to blame for that. And this isn't ar
eleemosynary insti-"
Pardon me-" interrupted Mr.. Bat
terbee, with 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 a month
You are an expert accountant, and Q
good business man. II there had beer
any flaw or fault in them, am sure
you would have detected it, and would
not have hesitated to apprise me Of
the fact"
''You bet l wouldn't have hesitated, .
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 a discussion which ]
am afraid can only prove painful. We
cheerfully admit the value of your
services. but, while your salary has
not been large, 1t has been as much
even more than We could afford tC
pay, looking at 1t from a business
point. We can get the same services
performed for US by a younger man
for even less money. Now. l may
as wen tell you that we were talk
ing over this very matter. and pro
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