Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 244, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 October 1913 — BATTERBEE’S TALK [ARTICLE]

BATTERBEE’S TALK

By KENNETT HARRIS.

The senior partner of Wallis & Ehrmann said to the junior member of the firm: “Have you noticed how particularly chipper and independent old Batterbee has been in his manner lately?" “Yes,” replied Ehrmann, the junior. “He’s acting too gay altogether. It’s a little demoralizing to the office force. I guess we’d better fire him and give Tarkins his job." “He's been with us close on to 20 years, Ehrmann," said the senior, irresolutely, “and he’s faithful and honest and —cheap. The old man might find it hard to get another job at his age." “That’s his look-out,” said the dap-per-like Ehrmann, blowing a speck of dust from his shirt cuff. "This isn’t an eleemosynary institution. Tarkins Is cheap, too if you come to that Who’s there? Come in.” An elderly man in a threadbare office coat came into the room and laid three large canvas-bound books on a side table. Then he approached the desk and in a mild voice said: “I’d like to have a few minutes’ talk with you gentlemen, if you are not too busily engaged.” “We’re busy now, Mr. Batterbee,” said the junior partner, snappishly. “Some other time. What are you bringing that cash book and those ledgers for?" “They have some bearing on the subject I wished to discuss with you, sir," said Mr. Batterbee, respectfully, but with a curious steadfast look. “If you will excuse me, I think perhaps it would be well to take the matter up at once. It’s rather important” “Well, go ahead, Batterbee,” said the senior partner, tolerantly. “Let him say what he has to say now, Ehr-

mann.” “Thank you, sir,” Bald the subordinate. “In the first place, I wish to call your attention to the fact that I have been in the employ of the house for 20 years.” “We know that,” said Mr. Wallis. “In fact, we were just speaking of it. I had mentioned it to Mr. Ehrmann.” “Ah! ” said Mr.v Batterbee. "Yes! Well, during that time I think I may •ay that I have discharged my office duties with zeal, diligence and intelligence. You will grant that, I hope?” ‘'Certainly,” admitted Mr. Wallis. • “Nevertheless,” continued Mr. Batterbee, “my salary at the present time is $25 per week, and considering that I have a family to support, and —” , “See here, Mr. Batterbee,” said Mr. Ehrmann. “We can’t help your haying a family, you know. We’re not to blame for that. And this isn’t an eleemosynary insti—■** “Pardon me,” interrupted Mr. Batterbee, with a dignified wave of the hand. “I am quite aware of the fact, but merit, perhaps— ** “Merit cuts no ice with the market price and the law of supply and demand.” "These books that I have brought in have been carefully examined by you, Mr. Ehrmann, at least once a month. You are an expert accountant, and a good business man. If there had been any flaw or fault in them, I am sure you would have detected It, and would not have hesitated to apprise me of the fact.” “You bet 1 wouldn't have hesitated,” said Mr. Ehrmann, with a short laugh. “Then, I assume, that you have had no fault to find?” “Mr. Batterbee,” said the senior partner, gently, “I think that we might cut short a discussion which 1 am afraid can only prove painful. We cheerfully admit the value * of your services, but, while your salary has not been large, it has been as much — even more than we could afford to pay, looking ut it from a business point. We can get the same services performed for us by a younger man for even less money. Now, I may as well tell you that we were talking over this very matter, and profits on the business having sensibly declined in the past few years, we feel that not only can we advance no salaries, but, I regret to say, we must dispense With your services at the close of the current week.” “Tbat’B the size of it, Batterbee,” said Ehrman, briskly. “Business is business.” “Just so,” said Mr. Batterbee. Now, let’s get down to business. To begin with, you gentlemen have misunderstood me. lam not asking you for any increase of salary. I had not the remotest intention of doing so. 1 want to work for the firm without any salary at all.” “What!” exclaimed Ehrmann and Wallis.

“ —But for a share of the profits,” continued Mr. Batterbee, calmly. “In short, I propose that you take me Into the firm as an equal* partner.” Ehrmann broke Into loud laughter, but the senior partner regarded the elderly clerk with a close and serious attention. “It you don’t mind, I will sit down,” said Mr. Batterbee, drawing up a chair. "Standing very long fatigues me, I find. Mr. Ehrmann, If you feel that you are sufficiently recovered, I will go on. Of course, I must show you how you would be justified In taking the step I propose. Possibly this might Interest you to start with.” drew a brown leather covered bank book from his pocket, and handed It to Mr. Wallis. “You will observe,” he continued, “that the account was opened with the bank In January, 1890. If I remember rightly, r it was one month after my third unsuccessful application for an Increase of salary. You will observe that the « deposits have been made at regular

Interval ever since, but in increasing amounts; also, that no charges have been drawn against these sums, placed to my credit. interest has been compounded semi-annually* and altogether the sum total 1b now nearly $90,000.’’ Mr. Wallis gasped and handed the bank book to Mr. Ehrmann, who turned pale as he looked over the columns of figures. “Where did you get it?” he asked with starting eyes. Mr. Batterbee smiled easily. “* thought you would be likely to ask me that time-honored question,” he said. “At the same time you must pardon me if I decline to answer it. I shall not tell it —for it is not in that tfank now. It is accessible, but not that bank. “I fancy, gentlemen,” he resumed, after a silent pause, during which the partners looked into each other's eyes. ''"l fancy that you have your suspicions—entirely groundless, of course, as Ms. Ehrmann can testify, he having carefully examined my accounts. I think, Mr. Ehrmann, you will admit that the man who could embezzle $90,000, under your very nose (an altogther ridiculous supposition), would be a man of no ordinary ability.” “If you have, you’re a exclaimed Ehrmann, startled into involuntary admiration. “I am not talking of myself.” corrected Mr. Batterbee. “Please bear that in mind. I may say, however, that if, finding ordinary and conventional methods of demonstrating the fact that I had ability had failed, I had taken such a peculiar course, my natural honesty would lead me to make full restitution.”

He repossessed himself of the bank book that Ehrmann had laid down, and waited. / “Se here, Batterbee,” said the senior partner, suddenly, dropping his hitherto sauve manner, and speaking quickly and uneasily, “stop beating the bush, and come down to hard facts. We’re not babies. Now, what is it you want?” “I’ve told you already,” said Mr. Batterbee. “I’m trying to make you recognize the fact that I’m a man—a man with flesh and blood, and brains and Bplrit, and not a damned machine,” he added, fiercely and bringing his fist down oh -the desk with a bang. “If I have proved that to you—by 20 hard years in your service," he resumed, in his cußtomary even tones, “if your daily observation of me has proved to you that I have the business at my fingers’ ends in all its branches, and that I could extend and revivify the business if I had a chance; if your known generosity, coupled with your self interest inclines you to reward me —then I ask you to take me into partnership, as I have said.” “How about restitution?” asked Ehrmann.

“Nothing about restitution,” replied Mr. Batterbee. “I don’t understand your allusion. It occurs to me to mention that if the considerations I have mentioned impel you to offer me the partnership, I would be quite willing to put a little capital into the concern —say $90,000 —the savings of my modest little salary, gentlemen.” “We must have time to consider your proposition, Mr. Batterbee,” said Mr. Wallis at last. “Very well, sir," said Mr. Batterbee. “If you will allow me an hour’s leave of absence from the office, I will return by that time wiljj) my attorney, who will provide himself with the necessary contract for your signature, if you think favorably of the idea I have submitted.” Within the appointed time Mr. Batterbee and his legal friend appeared and were conducted into the private of the firm. Mr. Wallis welcomed them with a smiling face. Mr. Ehrmann looked sulky, but he, too, rose and shook hands. “Well, Mr. Batterbee,” said Mr. Wallis, “I believe that you have rather more than an inkling of what I am about to say. It gives me genuine pleasure to tell you that in consideration of your long and faithful services, and as a mark of our recognition and appreciation of your ability, Mr. Ehrmann and myself have decided to ask you to come into the firm.” (Copyright, by Daily Story Pub. Co.)