Gilpin observer., 1920-05-20
TIE EFFICIENCY
MAN.
By RALPH HAMILTON.

Joilil, loW Gun YOU tihe 'uic Va go
ther one?"
The more the merrier dear mother
mine," cried blum, hearty John Har-
Ian. "Now. don't you 20 bringing
any worry or gloom into this happy,
happy house. Lucia wants you. as
she always does when the stork comes
around. Her spirits are up to the top
notch and you want to keep them
so.'
Il declare, John, you and Lucia
take things the coolest | ever knew
You're working In n dismal Office from
morning until night, and surely Lucsa
has to maneuver to keep things go
ing. | don't see how you do it,"
Just by thinking of our little brood
of four and being thankful that we've
got them" responded the stalwart son
heartily.
Old Mrs. Harlan forgot her fore
bodings when she got inside the
small, but neatly kept cottage. Four
jolly loving little ones clustered about
her with caresses and kisses, aud
Lucia, all welcoming smiles, acted as
was fulfilled in gaining the company
of her busy, useful mother-in-law.
ITS pretty near heaven here" said
the latter, quivering with genuine
emotion. Lucia, you have been
great blessing to John and don't
wonder he worships the very ground
you walk on"
Does he, motherY spoke Lucia,
beaming with delight. "Oh, how glad
and proud that makes me! l never
saw such a man! You couldn't get
him to pass an hour away from home
evenings if you offered him u fortune.
1t has been one Joy after another ever
since we married"
John Harlan left home next morn
ing whistling like a lark. He en-
tered the establishment of Robert
VIII where he had been entry clerk
for ten years. humming lively tune.
Sim Davies, likewise a veteran in
the service. pointed to the door of
the private office in q meaning way.
Going to be q change here" he OBJ
served.
What do you mean. Sim?" inquired
John.
efficiency expert in there. You see.
since Dorsett and Wadham left US
and set up for themselves, Mr.. VIII
seems to think that he has got to
urge things on and keep pace with
competition and progress"
ANY danger OF getting young and
better helpl" inquired John.
1T can't be done. I heard Mr.. VIII
himself say that yesterday. No.
think it means better show for u.s."
The anticipated better show" ma
terialized that afternoon. All day
long the expert, brisk, keen-eyed
young man. went over the books, the
work rooms, the offices, the stock.
About three o'clock Mr.. VIII called
John and Davies into his office.
We're going to speed up" he said.
"The expert here has gone over the.
entire business and has suggested
new system and many Innovations.
He has advised that | promote you
two TO the positions Dorsett and Wad.
ham held. Then for the general help
he suggests that we advance the pay
according to seniority"
"And have also advised that mar
ried men be given the preference
here" broke in the expert. Further,
believe it good point to advance
each employee one hundred dollars 4
year for each child he has
This nearly took Johns breath
away. Why, that meant four hun
dred dollars, enough to pay off all he
owed on his little home.
~ follow the theory" proceeded the
expert that the more domestic re-
sponsiblliiies man has, the closer
he will stick to good job. For every
future child that comes along. | advise
bonus of two hundred dollars"
Wanted, Mr.. Harlan, at the tele-
phone here" interrupted the stenog-
rapher. and John took up the receiv-
er on Mr.. WINS desk.
There was n lapse in the confer
ence pending his return. Then his.
CHEEKY face became all glowing sun
shine.
''l've got some very good news" he
reported. putting down the receiver.
you know we were expecting little
stranger, Mr.. VIII. Well. my dear old
mother telephones me It's all over
and everybody well and happy"
John was shOwered with congratu-
lations. He was one great smiling
exemplar OF the most fervent Joy.
"That Is No. 8, believe. Harlan"
spoke Mr. VIII interrogatively.
"Yes, sir" acknowledged John
proudly.
"And incidentally another two hun
dred dollars" remarked the expert.
Again the stenographer interrupted
as once more the telephone rang.
"For you again, Mr.. Harlan" she
said. "Same party I think"