Alfred Raymond

“ Who is that man? I asked the salesman who showed me these ovens, but he didn’t hear me, I guess.” There was a note of menace in her question that was not lost on Teddy.
“Oh, that is our assistant buyer. His name is Mr. Jarvis. He’s an efficiency man.”
“He’s not half so efficient as he might be,” snapped the woman. “Now that I know his name I’m going to report him. This seems to be a good oven.” Engaged now in peering into it, she did not mark the seraphic joy on a small freckled face.
“It’s a very good oven,” assured Teddy glibly. “If you’d like to buy it I’ll get Mr. Hickson to wait on you.” ”

“ Far from feeling the loss of the pugnacious Leon’s presence, he flung himself energetically into loading his truck with tempting bargain books, designed to arouse the enthusiasm of heat-fagged shoppers, and put new life into sluggish mid-summer trade. During the hot, breathless days of July and August those who have the wherewithal to buy books, turn their steps resolutely away from the scorching cities to the revivifying atmosphere of seashore and mountain. At such season, the lure of even the newest fiction wanes into insignificance. ”

“ A few of the employees had guessed his identity, though they could not be sure of it. In so vast a business establishment as Martin Brothers it was hard to trace the comings and goings of one particular individual. It was gossiped about Mr. Barton’s domain that he was the man for whom the benefit was to be held, yet so well did the few who were in the secret keep it that no one knew the exact truth of the matter. The very fact that the sufferer’s identity had not been disclosed lent a piquant air of mystery to the benefit.
It is always the needy who respond first to the call of charity. ”

“ Harding’s face grew grave instantly as she said: “I don’t like to think of your getting into a fist fight, Harry. Such things are brutal and better avoided. But you must not forget that you have as much right to stand up for yourself as any other boy. I believe if you try hard you can find some other way to make this boy respect your rights.”
“I’m going to try, of course. But, Mothery, if I should come home from work some evening with a black eye, you’ll know what’s happened. ”

“ Keene was interrupted by a frantic burst of cheers. He smilingly waited for the demonstration of applause to die away. Then he continued:
“Your cheers prove you are patriots. Love of country is the highest form of patriotism, but there’s another kind of patriotism that counts, too. It is loyalty to the house that employs you. If you try to do the best that is in you for those who are trying to do their best for you, then you are patriots. A patriot at work will become a patriot at war. Wherever you may be placed, boys, whether it’s in this store or in the trenches, be loyal to your trust ”

“ THE BOY WHO COULD FORGIVE With the beginning of school a fresh era of interest arrived for Harry and Teddy. As October waned, faded and finally gave up the ghost in the icy arms of November, the two boys found themselves in the thick of many happenings. Being soldiers was a never-ceasing source of delight to them. They looked forward with the eagerness to their semi-weekly drill which preceded lessons. Companies D and E were recruits to the regular Minute Men of the store and were under the efficient guidance of a retired officer of the National Guard. ”

“ Harry expressed emphatic disapproval of such a change. “I shouldn’t like to be a detective in the least. I just happened to get into both those affairs.”
Mr. Martin smiled whimsically. “You’re rather different from the average youngster. Most boys would jump at a chance to become a sleuth. What would you like to become?” he questioned, staring hard at Harry.
“A business man, sir. I’d like to learn a lot about a big store like this; about the way things are done here. Then if ever I had a chance to go into business for myself, I know just what to do and how to do it.” ”

“ I’m going to stay in Martin Brothers’ store till I’m dead. When I get too old to be superintendent, I’m going to get a job in the transfer gathering up packages.”
“If you ever got to be superintendent, you’d have money enough to live on when you were too old to work,” smiled practical Harry.
“That’s so,” admitted Teddy, “but I wouldn’t have much fun. I’d rather hustle a truck than get old and sit in the sun and have only crackers to eat and think about the Dragoness and the Clothes-pole and the Percolator and all my dear friends. I guess I won’t grow up. ”

“ Denby, the new fiction salesman, told me that about Mr. Atkins. I was thinking that he must be glad that his son can work and earn something to help him. You see, Mothery, it’s just like this. I don’t like this new boy very well, and I’m afraid he doesn’t like me. It isn’t going to be pleasant for us to work together. I feel as though I ought to be nice to him because he’s helping his father earn their living. ”

“ For an instant Harry was seized with a wild desire to laugh. No one could view Teddy’s fanciful handiwork unmoved. With an effort Harry kept his features sober. Amazement quickly conquered his inclination for mirth. “How could I possibly know anything about it?” His reply contained a note of wonder.
“There, Brady. I hope you are satisfied.” Mr. Rexford’s comment was tinged with cool reserve. He had given small credence to the tale the assistant had brought him.
“I’m not satisfied. I wouldn’t take the word of any of these boys. They are all alike when it comes to mischief. ”

“ Harry looked pleased. Through the agency of Teddy he and the red-haired salesman were on very friendly terms. “And you say that this Mr. Jarvis is an efficiency man?”
[31]
“Yep; he’s crazy. That’s just the same thing. I’d like to say something about him to Mr. Everett, but I don’t know what to say or how to say it.”
“You’d better not.” Harry shook his head. “If Mr. Everett doesn’t know it, I don’t believe he’d like to hear it from his stock boy. If he does know it, then telling him that you know it, too, wouldn’t help him any. All you can do is to keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. ”

“ I can’t blame her now, but I’m sorry she feels that way toward me.”
“You can’t stop Niagara Falls, so you might as well let ’em go on falling,” consoled Miss Welch. “Just you keep out of her way and don’t let her get anything on you. If she gets too gay, put me wise and I’ll read her a few lines that she won’t find on her application card.”
“Oh, you mustn’t ever say a word to her, Miss Welch,” entreated Harry. “Now that I understand, I’ll try not to make her mad. I’m not afraid, you know. My mother says no one can really hurt a person if that person isn’t doing wrong himself.” ”

“ Teddy squinted reflectively. “Mr. Everett says if I watch my p’s and q’s I might be his assistant some day. Only I’ll have to grow a lot. I’m an inch taller’n last year, anyhow. That’s growing up some.”
“I’m almost three inches taller than I was last year,” said Harry with pardonable pride. “I hope I’ll grow up to be as tall as Father was. He was six feet.”
“You better get a grow on then,” grinned Teddy. “I saw Miss Verne to-day. She wants me to sing at an entertainment. It’s to be the last of May in Martin Hall. It’s a benefit for another sick man in the store.” ”

“ The very fact that Leon was a shirker incited Harry to do his utmost to keep things moving. To frequently stumble upon the sluggard, asleep in a bin or deep in a book, was naturally an aggravation. Yet Harry never complained to Mr. Rexford of his companion’s worthlessness, neither did he appear to notice what went on day after day under his very eyes. ”

“ Harry returned in crisp, business-like tones.
“I’m the stock boy. Who you whistlin’ for? What’s missin’ downstairs? A fellow can’t more’n get up here until somebody’s after him.”
“The stock boy!” Harry’s tone registered incredulity. “How long have you been stock boy? Where is Fred Alden?”
“How do I know where he is? I’m no direct’ry. I’ve been here a week, but that’s none of your business. If you’re talkin’ about the kid that had this job before me, he’s left.” ”

“ Affairs in house furnishings had been progressing a trifle more smoothly of late for Mr. Everett. A two-weeks’ illness had removed his guileful assistant from the lists. During that time the department had thriven and rejoiced, and the worried expression on the buyer’s clean-cut face had completely disappeared. In the fervor of being a good soldier, Mr. Jarvis’ absence suited Teddy down to the ground. “I’m sorry for anybody that’s sick, but I can’t cry because the Percolator’s not percolating for a while. ”

“ But he did not remain there. No, indeed. He collected his possessions and shook the dust of Department 40 from his feet without so much as a farewell word to kettles and pans. And the next elevator bore him upward to that mysterious haunt known as the Bureau of Adjustment, where in settling the claims of a claim-hungry public his fatal efficiency might soar unheeded and undisturbed.
“Who stole the perky Percolator?” demanded Teddy Burke on the morning following Mr. Jarvis’ flight from house furnishings. “I haven’t seen his sweet face this morning.” ”

“ ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL “So you are Harry Harding. Sit down here, Harry. I should like to talk with you.” The senior partner of Martin Brothers waved a distinctly embarrassed boy into a chair opposite his own and surveyed the lad with an earnest, kindly gaze.
Inwardly Harry was wildly cogitating the reason for this interview which had been thrust upon him. It could hardly pertain to the affair of the cash box. It was four days since that had happened. In four days an excitement of that nature has ample time to die out in such a busy world of trade. ”

“ Teddy tore it open, his hands shaking. The next instant a resounding war-whoop rent the quiet hall and floated up the stairs. Mrs. Burke wondered vaguely if the laundry man had suddenly gone mad. That unearthly whoop had surely not emanated from her listless, sober little son. In his exuberant joy, Teddy Burke did something of which he was ever afterward a trifle ashamed. He flung his two wiry little arms about Harry and hugged him. ”

“ Teddy really meant it. Yet later in the day, when the two tickets still reposed in his pocket, he changed his mind. Sidling up to the assistant, his black eyes two wells of seraphic confidence, he said sweetly: “Would you like to buy a coupla tickets for the benefit, Mr. Per—Jarvis? They are only thirty-five cents apiece. It’s to help a man who’s very sick.”
Mr. Jarvis threw up his plump hands in an impatient gesture. “Don’t say tickets to me, boy. I have been asked a dozen times to buy tickets for that ridiculous affair. Benefits are a needless nuisance. ”

“ Then followed a detailed account of his ingenious method of exposing Leon.
Harry could not help laughing immoderately as Teddy proceeded with his story. “I don’t see how you ever happened to think of the poor dust man. He has troubles enough of his own without being dragged into such a scheme. You are a dangerous person, Ted.”
“He didn’t know he was the goat,” asserted Teddy humorously. “What he doesn’t know won’t make his head ache. All I’m sorry for is that the Atkins man jumped you.” ”

“ Hickson grew suddenly glum. “I’m going to tell you something, Teddy, but keep it to yourself. This fellow is a trouble-hunter! He’s got a game to play and I can see through him. I’ve had my eye on him ever since he hit 40, and, between you and me, he’s after Mr. Everett’s job. He’s what you call an efficiency man.”
“I didn’t call him that. I called him a percolator. He’s just like one. I’ll bet when he gets mad he fizzles up, the way those coffee-pots do when the demonstrator pours hot water into ’em.” ”

“ Giving the truck a vigorous shove he was about to crawl from the bin when a stern voice addressed him.
“So this is the way you do your work, young man.”
Leon scrambled awkwardly to his feet to confront a person who in no sense resembled a lunatic. This severe-featured person, who fixed him with a withering eye, was Mr. Brady.
“I wasn’t doing nothin’,” he mumbled, hanging his head.
“I know you were not, but I propose you shall. If you can’t be trusted in the stock-room we don’t want you. ”

“ Now he had gone and in his place had bobbed up a strange, unfriendly person who buzzed about the department like a huge blue-bottle fly, and blazed a trail of rebellion wherever he buzzed.
Had those active in the management of the big store known the disturber’s true character, [89] Mr. Jarvis’ outlook would not have been rosy. The “square deal” was among the most revered traditions of Martin Brothers. Nathan Jarvis had been careful to create the impression of a man eager and ready to make every moment count toward the good of his employers. ”

“ Those who work hardest for their daily bread understand best the tragedy of being caught unawares by sickness. Although many of the higher-salaried men and women of the store had bought tickets, only to pass them on to others or return them to be resold, the greatest rallying to the standard had been done by the humbler employees. ”

“ Teddy frowned in troubled fashion.
“How can he, except by his returns?” demanded Hickson savagely. “If this fellow keeps things in such a hub-bub here, we’re going to lose sales and the department’ll run behind. He keeps Mr. Everett in such a stew that he can’t do as well as if he wasn’t half worried to death. The best man can’t stand everything. This dub has made ’em believe that he’s the king of tin pans. How’s anyone going to prove that he isn’t until Mr. Everett’s out of here and he gets a chance to queer himself? When the mischief’s done, it’ll be too late. ”

“ To-day our motto must be, ‘Save time by eliminating all unnecessary motion.’ Think what glorious results we should have from this department if we adhered strictly to this rule. Since my appointment here, I have endeavored to do this. But in the face of the opposition which I am obliged daily to encounter from all sides, I find it uphill work. Mr. Everett is, unfortunately, of the old school.” The assistant sighed audibly.
“You have the right idea, Mr. Jarvis,” was Mr. Seymour’s hearty reply. “We need such men as you in the store. ”

“ Harry’s eyes glowed at the prospect of resuming his studies.
“Huh!” snorted Teddy. “I guess when I work all day I oughta have a good supper. If I don’t like the stuff they give us to eat, I’ll make up for it when I get home. What I like best is that we are going to be soldier boys. We’ll be joining the ‘Martin Minute Men’ now. Some name.”
“I suppose it came from the Minute Men in the Revolutionary war,” mused Harry. “It’s a dandy name. Seems fine to think of being men instead of just boys. We are to drill an hour after supper each night before school begins.” ”

“ Everett’s been having an awful time with him. He butts in everywhere and talks like a book about efficiency and such stuff. He’s always bubbling up at nothing. Somebody ought to can him and jam the lid down tight.” Teddy did not add that he cherished fond hopes of being that “someone.” His method was to do first and crow afterward.
For several days following his triumph in Harry’s behalf, Teddy patiently lurked in Mr. Jarvis’ wake, the light of mischievous purpose in his bright eyes. Thanks to him, Harry was no longer inflicted with Leon’s slothful presence in the stock-room. ”

“ Mr. Atkins was too much rushed by the heavy consignments of books that daily poured in upon him to trouble himself greatly about Harry. Since Mr. Brady had established lazy Leon on the selling floor, where he could be watched, a load had been lifted from both Mr. Atkins’ and Harry’s shoulders. The latter could readily have given points to the proverbial busy bee. Work, when uninterrupted by the disagreeable Leon, was a pleasure, and he waded into it for all he was worth.
The early part of November found him dividing his time between the stock-room and the department. ”

“ I’ll make him boil over so many times he’ll wish he’d never heard of house furnishings. Course, if he lets Mr. Everett alone, I’ll let him alone. But if he thinks he is going to be buyer of this department instead of Mr. Everett, then he’d better look out. Mr. Everett’s the best buyer that ever lived, and I’m going to fight for him.”
“You’re a good little friend, Teddy.” Sam Hickson patted the lad’s slender shoulder. “You’d better go slow, though. You can’t do anything much except get yourself into trouble for your pains. ”