Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1928-01-26
g by McClnre Newspaper Syndicate.

able. They're trimmed from the edges
Of the slaves, and the lumber can't b
cut any more economically, because
We must have the grain running
straight"
True enough" admitted Ames,
these pieces"
II suggested that" and Tommy
wrinkled his brow. 1.-THE superintend-
ent and the manager laughed at the
| idea. They claim we'd scatter our
force in making a market for another
product. They've run this plant for
years and years, and they know all
about it. l don't"
"They were in financial difficulties
when they got you, weren't they?"
"Yes, but there was time when
, they made a good profit. They've
been cramped for capital here lately"
"WhyT asked Ames.
81 don't know" unused Tommy.
"The big cramp came right after
they enlarged the plant. 1 guess
they overplayed themselves; then they
| ran into heavy competition"
II understand it now," nodded
Ames. 'They did all their big manu-
| featuring in this room. When they
enlarged the plant they didn't re-
! arrange the machinery"
AS they turned away, the superin-
tendent, wrinkled-faeed old man,
| with a white mustache, came up to
them and Tommy introduced him.
"NIr. Ames is studying our methods
of production" Tommy explained
"Are you familiar with the churn
| business" inquired the superintend-
,ent, with ill-concealed resentment.
81 never saw churn factory be-
FORE" confessed Ames with laugh.
"Oh," said the superintendent with
a snort of amusement.
When Tommy and Ames returned
| from their inspection Of the plant they
found the superintendent in the office
with the manager, a large, red-faced
man, who was addicted to shirt
sleeves and who chewed cigars. The
superintendent was leaning on the
corner OF the managers desk and both
turned with displeasure as Tommy
came in. The superintendent nodded
and returned to the factory. Tommy
introduced his caller, and explained
his present mission in life.
"Yes," acknowledged the manager.
giving Ames a thorough sizing up.
"Brinley has just been telling me
that you were giving Tommy some
expert advice. What do you thinb Of
cur plant, Mr.. Ames?"
Frankly, it's pretty bad" he began.
You should shut down your shop for
about month and rearrange all your
effective machinery"
The manager leaned back in his
chair and looked at Ames through
heayy-lidded eyes.
do you like the color Of the new
rug Tommy put down" he insolently
inquired.
Ames rose.
81 came here to talk business" he
stated.
"Who invited your
II did," Unexpectedly declared
Tommy. There's something wrong
with this factory, Lasset, and I'm 60
ing to find out why the Reverse Gear
people can undersell u.s."
"Mr. Ames is as ignorant Of q
;churn factory as you are" retOrted
Lasset. "You look after the finances,
Tommy, and We'll tend to the fac
tory"
Tommy studied the manager I'M
lsmilingly.
1--WE made an unfortunate impress
sion on you, Lasset," he presently OBJ
served. "You think I'm a saphead,
because you got my money into this
concern; but I want you to always
remember that 1 came along with the
money; and, by jinks, I'm going to
see that get my moneys worth.
Come on, Ames, We'll take spin.
want you to talk to me-"