Page:Bound to be an Electrician.djvu/87

Rh "That's too bad, certainly. But if I went to work there I guess I could keep away from them"

"And not be led astray?" questioned Belden Brice, keenly, "Many of the men drink and swear, and use tobacco, and many other undesirable things which I know you are above doing."

"They could not make me do what I did not wish to do," said Franklin firmly. "I would do my work and go my own way, and that would be the end of it."

"Good! Then we will walk down to the shops at once. Of course, if the place grows distasteful to you, you can give it up at any time."

Quarter of an hour later they were on their way to the Phoenix Electrical Fan Works, which were situated down in the factory district, among the silk mills. Reaching the office, they entered, and Belden Brice called for Thomas Buckman, the chief superintendent.

"Here is a young friend of mine who wants employment," explained the speculator. "He takes to electricity, and I have an idea he will some day make his mark in it. Have you any place open for him?"

The superintendent, a small man with an unusually shrewd cast of countenance, eyed Franklin critically.

"Want a job, eh? Well, I don't know. We are