business and do just as he is told. When do you want to start?"
"The sooner the better, Sir."
"Then you can come to work to-morrow morning. I have some burglar alarms to put in Mr. John Mace's house. His wife thought she heard somebody around the place day before yesterday, and she says she won't feel safe till they are in."
"I'll be on hand," said Franklin.
As he turned to leave the shop the door opened and Andrew Gresson came in.
The man had been drinking, and his inflamed face was covered with a scowl.
"Say, Fells, do you want me to do that job up to Mace's?" he asked, as he dropped into a chair.
"I told you that you were discharged," cried Silas Fells, angrily. "I have no use for a man who drinks."
"I only take a drop for the toothache," pleaded Gresson.
"I don't believe it, and I dont want you around any more."
"How are you goin' to git your work done?" muttered Gresson. "You can't do it alone."
"I have just hired this young man to help me."
"What, Frank Bell?"
"Yes."
"He don't know nothin' about electricity." growled Gresson. "Better take me back."
