Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1917-11-06
TOO MUCH
EFFICIENCY
a CLEVER SERIAL STORY.
BY "A J. RATH.
Author Of when the Devil Was
9ick." ~One-CyiinAer Sam" stc.
CHAPTER xx..-tContinued.)

mol"
Billy almost shouted 1t.
II just want you to leave her alone.
that's all. Keep away from her."
"Well. we're both living in the same
house and eating at the same table.
SO that will be somewhat difficult"
observed the efficiency man.
She's in here all the time. work.
ing" growled Billy.
II can't force her to work IL she re-
fuses"
Maybe she is-but she hasn't any
use for you. Hedge
The efficiency man pondered the
observation in calmness.
That's quite possible" he said
cheerfully. But il your sister wants
to keep up her secretarial work, can't
prevent it. Rather. 1 don't intend to.
It's excellent training for her."
Billy remained silent for a minute,
wrestling with his soul.
Look here, Hedge" he exclaimed
suddenly. IF somebody has to do this
work, I'll do 1t myself-anything to
keep Connie from being bothered"
well, Brooke, that sounds fair
enough. But there's this about 1t: at
present your sisters work is satisfac-
tory, and I'm not justified in dis
charging her without cause. II it be-
comes unsatisfactory, I'll fire her.
Then the job is yours. Or II she
20
can't expect any more than that"
Billy was stumped. H. Hedges offer
surely sounded fair, yet 1t was unsat-
isfactory.
why don't you give her some other
job?" he said.
What, for instance?"
"Oh. anything-bossing the ser
wants.
The efficiency man shook his head.
That's part Of my job" he said. IT
love it to much to surrender it. Your
servants are a joy, particularly the
cook. No; I can't give that up. Has
your sister suggested transfer"
Certainly not. You don't think I'd
talk to her about this business. do
your"
| II imagine not"
| mot much" continued Billy. shak-
ing his head. But you've got to find
some way out of this. Hedge. won't
stand for it. You've admitted you are
getting sweet on my sister
Il? l don't recall admitting 1t. I
merely adopted a phrase of your own.
1t wouldn't have been polite for me to
disagree with you on that point"
Seems to me you are getting polite
all of sudden"
The efficiency man smiled enigmat-
ically.
well. I've given you notice. You
know what I mean" said Billy signif-
icantly. We're only standing for you
because you've got control Of the mon
ey; that's all. You don't want to get
the idea that any of us have any use
for you, Hedge, or for the way you've
been running this house You're a bug
on one subject. but 1t doesn't belong
here. And you understand I've got to
look out after my sisters, don't you?'
ITS certainly your duty, Brooke,
assented the efficiency man.
And I'm going to do IT."
), Good"
Billy arose and stood irresolute 70,
an instant. Then he shrugged his
shoulders.
"You understand now? he asked.
quite"
As Billy turned toward the door tn,
: found himself face to face with Con.
!. stance. There was a look Of plain in.
: quiry in her eyes, as their glanc,
shifted rapidly from her brother t.
the efficiency man.
Billy coughed In his embarrass
ment
, Whats the understanding about 2
she asked pleasantly. or IL It q Sc
cret?"
"Oh. not at ALL" answered H. Hedge
Billy Brooke glared at him.
I'VE were talking about work." con
tinued the head of the house.
Work? You, Billy"
well. why not?" he demanded de-
y fensively.
: 'I-oh-no reason at all. Of course.
said Constance quickly. Only"
81 can do all. this sort OF stuff" ad
Q his hand in the direction Of the filinl
cases and the desk.
ooh, can your" she challenged
! Don't be too sure, Billy"
BET you I cant"
Constance shook her head an,
laughed.
mot while hold this Job" sh
said. You wouldn't have q poo
working girl lose her position. woul'
your"
Billy sighed heavily.
The efficiency man bent over on
: of the lower drawers in the desk
averting his face.
What sort of work IL he going L
do. Mr.. HedgeT she asked.
"Oh, we hadn't reached that Just
! general talk. Miss Brooke"
will he be an efficiency engineer?
Billy cast a look Of scorn at his sis
ter and a final scowl OF warning at +
Hedge. Then he stalksd out Of the II
brary.