Bridgeton pioneer., 1913-10-09
BATTERBEE'S TALK
BY KENNETT HARRIS.

7A1SAA odAu NJ f6N5 JuulOT luSLnUST VI
the firm: "RsN you noticed how par
ticularly clipper and independent old
Batterbee has been in his manner
l2ahsly?"
Yes" replied Ehrmann, the junior
7~He's acting too gay altogether. It's
"a little demoralizing to the Office
force l 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,
Hrresolutely, "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
Der-like Ehrmann, blowing a speck of
stust from his shirt cuff. This isn't an
asleemosynary institution Tarkins Is
cheap, too if 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
side table. Then he approached the
desk and in a mild voice said: I'D
Ake to have a few minutes talk with
you gentlemen, If 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
lsdgers for?"
They have some bearing on the
subject / wished to discuss with you,
Efr." said Mr.. Batterbee, respectfully,
bur with a curious steadfast look. IF
you will excuse me. think perhaps
1t would be well to take the matter
mp at once. It's aather important"
Well, go ahead, Batterbee," said
the senior partner, tolerantly. Let
hfm say what he has to say now, Ehr-
mann"
Thank you, SIR" said the subordi
mite In the first place, wish to
raA your attention to the fact that l
have been in the employ of the house
nor 20 years."
We know that" said Mr.. Wallis.
In fact, we were just speaking of it.
had mentioned it to Mr. Ehrmann"
4h." said Mr.. Batterbee. Yes!
Wen, during that time l think / may
cay that l have discharged my office
Duties with zeal, diligence and intelli-
gence. You will grant that, hope?"
Certainly" admitted Mr.. Wallis.
Nevertheless" continued Mr.. Bat
aerbee, my salary at the present time
rs SIS per week, and considering that
Il have a family to support, and"
See here, Mr.. Batterbee," said Mr..
Enrmann. We can't help your hav-
ing family, you know We're not
Tn blame for that And this isn't an
eleemosynary instt-"
Pardon me-" interrupted Mr.. Bat
rerbea. with dignified wave of the
hand Il am quite aware of the fact,
.aotumerit, perhaps"
y Merit cuts no ice with the market
prace 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 a
good business man. If there had been
amy flaw or fault In them, / am sure
you would have detected it, and would
mt have hesitated to apprise me of
the eact."
You bet I wouldn't have hesitated,"
said Mr.. Ehrmann. with short laugh.
Then, l assume, that you have had
sno nault to f1nd?"
MT. Batterbee." said the senior
partner, gently, II think that we
might cut short a discussion which l
azn afraid can only prove painful We
cheerfnlly admit the value of your
serxices, but, while your salary has
ExG been large, 1t has been as much
even more than we could afford to
pay. hooking at it from a business
point. We can get the same services
gerformed for US by a younger man
tE even less money. Now, / may
as well tell you that we were talk
s Ing over this very matter, and pro
tits ON the business having sensibly
declined In the past few years. we feel
that not only can we advance no
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, :"
: sxaid Ehrman, briskly. Business il
&Emsiness."
:Inst so,' said Mr.. Batterbee. Now,
AkHs get down to business. To be-
gym with, you gentlemen have misun-
ssersaood me. / am not asking you for
amy increase Of salary. l had not the
Eemotsst intention of doing SO. /
want to work for the firm without any
-ssaAary at all"
What" exclaimed Ehrmann and
wallis.
But for a share Of the profits -
1rxmtinued Mr. Batterbee. calmly I'm
.ssszut, propose that you take me into
the flrm as an equal partner"
Ehrmann broke into loud laughter
EG1 the senior partner regarded the
sASeriy clerk with a close and serious
ttention.
..If you don't mind, will sit down,