Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-04-24

| Constance was silent for an instant
In nearly all things she was a stanch
champion of her brother. In this she
was not She was not proud of him
as an idler.
my brother does not work. she an
swered in low voice.
How old are you?" asked Hedge
turning again to Billy.
twenty-five, if that's any salts fac
ton to you"
Billy's attempt to display indiffer.
ence was poorly executed.
| "Sick f"
DO I look it,"
He did not look sick. He was very
healthy-and very uncomfortable.
HE tried the hardware business
with father said Constance de-
fensively, "but-well, he wasn't suit
ed for it,"
If Billy was suffering from certain
amount Of superficial discomfort, his
sister was suffering shame. She drop
! ped her gaze for a moment and CON-
pressed her lips tightly.
Gail right; I'll find him something
to do"
Billy Strengthened up in his chair
and thrust out his chin.
rs that so?' he said in fine con-
tempt. 81 didn't read anything in the
orders about that"
you were charged by your father to
obey me. weren't your
"Oh-perhaps."
"And If your father ordered you to
60 to work. you would wouldn't your?
That's different"
mot one bit different For all neces-
sary purpose, I'm your father. And
consider 1t necessary for you to work
That settles that
The efficiency man said these awful
words without any display of heat,
which made them seem the more aw
full. They fell upon Billy like an ava
lanche. And Constance. hateful as this
strange man was to her and filled with
a resolve never to submit to his bid
ding. was somehow unable to fling
herself to the aid Of her brother He
was on treacherous ground, unable to
fight good fight.
Ever keep books or card indexes?"
asked Hedge.
Billy shook his head.
Y can teach you. Ever run type.
writer"
NO"
you'll learn - in time What can
you do anyhow"
"He-he can run an automobile"
said Constance hastily
She was not particularly proud OF
the answer. after it was out: she was
afraid it was not impressive. But it
was true Billy could run an automo-
bile wonderfully. He had been arrested
eight times and his license had beer
revoked twice.
Good idea: guess l will. Connie"
The expert driver got out Of his
leather chair and moved toward the
door
"Very well; run your automobile -
today" said the efficiency man signi'
fcantly. But don't forget when you
come back that you're my clerk"
Clerk
you're getting it. Good morning
Billy paused long enough to think
OF reply - long enough, yet without
achieving one. Instead, he asked
question.
Il say. Connie, lend me ten-spo,
will you?"
Sorry. Billy; I'm BROKE"
H. Hedge did not volunteer either
ten-spot or a nickel, and Billy stalked
from the room. Two minutes later a
yellow roadster buzzed out OF the
Brooke courtyard. 1t was the kind OF
roadster that is unnecessarily long
and unbelievably close to the ground
like dachstund 1t had wire wheels.
OF vH In
drive it you had to lie on your back.
Billy was great at that.
"While I have the matter in mind
said H. Hedge. addressing Constance,
tell me how far 1t is to the school
that Alice goes to-
six or seven blocks" answered
Constance carelessly.
81 ina gfned 1t was something like
that. Hereafter, Alice will walk to
school 1t is good exercise. and the
fresh air will clear her mind for her
studies"
Constance was about to retort hot
ly when, with gesture. he abruptly
dismissed the subject.
Here" he said.placing his hand up
on small pile of fiat volumes. is a
SSl VI DOOhS. OuIil SOul bAothSi 10
familiar with the work, I'll take care
of them. They are bookkeeping books
A complete set Of household accounts
will Be kept. with separate account
for each department. It's loose leaf
system, of course
Just why it was "of course Con.
stance did not know; she was not
familiar with loose-leaf systems.
~ have here" he continued, indica.
ting. "a set Of daily report cards; in
fact, two sets. The set for the servants
is bufS-colored. that for members OF
the family white. On these cards will
be reported daily all matters of con-
Germ to the household. Servants will
report as to what duties they have
performed during the day, in what
manner, ct cetera, as well as what
things have been left unperformed. In
this way We shall soon systematic the
work and establish proper schedule
Of hours"
Constance smiled family. There was
vision in her mind of Giovanni, the
furnace man. making out his report.
1.-THE report cards for the family will