The Lamar register., 1920-06-02
THE EFFICIENCY
MAN.
BY RALPH HAMILTON.

"Si1 mouths to feed alresdy-oh,
John, how can you take care Of an
ther onef"
THE more the merrier, dear mother
mine" cried blum, hearty John Har-
Ian. Now. don't you go 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"
II declare. John, you and Lucia
take things the coolest l ever knew
You're working in a dismal office from
morning until night, and surely Lucia
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
bodlngs when she got Inside the
small, but neatly kept cottage. -Four
jolly, loving little ones clustered about
her with caresses and kisses. and
Lucia, all welcoming smiles, acted as
though the dearest wish of her heart
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 a
great blessing to John and | don't
wonder he worships the very ground
you walk on."
Does he, motherY' spoke Lucia.
beamlny with delight. "Oh, how glad
and proud that makes mel 1 never
saw such q mani You couldn't get
linn to pass an hour away from home
evenings IL you offered him u fortune.
II has been one JOY after another ever
since We married.
John Harlan left home next morn
Ing whistling like lark. He en-
tered the establishment of Robert
for ten years, humming a lively tune.
Sim Davies. likewise a veteran In
the service, pointed to the door OF
the private office in 4 meaning way.
Going TO be change here" he OBJ
served.
What do you mean. slmT' Inquired
John.
efficiency expert In there. You see.
since Dorsett and wndham 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 helpf" inquired John.
at can't be done. | heard Mr.. VIII
himself say that yesterday. No.
think II means n better show for US"
The anticipated better show" ma
terlalized that afternoon. All day
long the expert. a 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.
Were going 10 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
nhlu Htih- ihch icA the hNh'e' "N'P
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,
l believe 1t good point to advance
each employee one hundred dollars a
year for each child he has"
This naarly took Johns breath
away. Why. that meant four hun
dred dollars. enough TO pay on all he
owed on his little home.
II follow the theory" proceeded the
expert, that the more domestic re-
sponsibilities man has. the closer
he will stick to a good job. For every
future child that comes along, advise
a 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.. Wits desk.
There was a lapse In the confer.
ence pending his return. Then his
CHEEKY face became all glowing sun
shine.
1--WE 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"