  The soft (\approx 0.1--2.0 keV) X-ray spectra of narrow-line Seyfert 1
galaxies are known to be generally steeper than those of Seyfert 1 galaxies
with broader optical permitted lines. This has been attributed to the presence
of strong soft X-ray excesses, over the hard X-ray power law, in many
narrow-line Seyfert 1s. Here we use the currently available ASCA data to
systematically compare the harder (\approx 2--10 keV) X-ray continua of soft
ROSAT narrow-line Seyfert 1s with those of Seyfert 1s with larger H-beta FWHM.
Our robust and nonparametric testing suggests, with high statistical
significance, that soft ROSAT narrow-line Seyfert 1s have generally steeper
intrinsic hard X-ray continua than Seyfert 1s with larger H-beta FWHM. The hard
photon index trend appears similar to the previously known soft photon index
trend, although with a reduced photon index spread. If the soft X-ray excesses
of all Seyfert 1s are confined to below \approx 1 keV they cannot directly
affect the \approx 2--10 keV spectra studied here. However, as suggested for
the extreme narrow-line Seyfert 1 RE J 1034+393, a strong soft X-ray excess may
affect the accretion disc corona which creates the underlying hard X-ray power
law. If this is occurring, then more detailed study of this physical process
could give clues about the formation of the underlying continua of all
Seyferts. Other effects, such as intrinsic 2--10 keV continuum curvature, could
also lead to the observed photon index trend and need further study.
