Page:Bound to be an Electrician.djvu/35

Rh "Yes, Sir,"

"And now that's stopped. Too bad." Mr. Silas Fells dropped his pencil. "Now, what can I do for you?"

"I came in to see if you could give me a job."

"A job!" exclaimed the electrician in surprise.

"Yes, Sir. It's time I went to work, and I think I could do better at this sort of thing than anything else," explained Franklin. "You know what an interest I take in electricity."

"I do." Mr. Fells rubbed his chin reflectively. "Well, I dunno. I do need a man. Gresson's taken so to drink he ain't no good any more. But he was a splendid fellow to work when he was sober."

"I wish you would give me a trial, said Franklin earnestly. "I know a little about the business, and I imagine I can learn fast."

"That's just what all boys think until they get to work and get stuck, though I must admit you seem to take to electricity like an eel does to water. How much did you expect to earn a week?"

"I don't know; whatever I am worth."

"I started Gresson on six dollars, and he was getting twelve when I sent him off."

"I am willing to start on six, Sir," replied Franklin, thinking that sum quite fair for a beginning.

"I don't allow no loafing," went on Silas Fells. "When a man works for me he must attend to his