CHAPTER XVIII.

THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT.

Unlike most other plants the International Machine Company paid on
Monday, and it was on the Monday following his assumption of his new
duties that Jimmy had his first clash with Bince. He had been talking
with Everett, the cashier, whom, in accordance with his "method," he was
studying. From Everett he had learned that it was pay-day and he had
asked the cashier to let him see the pay-roll.

"I don't handle the pay-roll," replied Everett a trifle peevishly.
"Shortly after Mr. Bince was made assistant general manager a new rule
was promulgated, to the effect that all salaries and wages were to be
considered as confidential and that no one but the assistant general
manager would handle the pay-rolls. All I know is the amount of the
weekly check. He hires and fires everybody and pays everybody."

"Rather unusual, isn't it?" commented Jimmy.

"Very," said Everett. "Here's some of us have been with Mr. Compton
since Bince was in long clothes, and then he comes in here and says that
we are not to be trusted with the pay-roll."

"Well," said Jimmy, "I shall have to go to him to see it then."

"He won't show it to you," said Everett.