Franklin hardly knew if he would like his forthcoming task or not. He would have preferred it, had he been sent to the city, by the lakes, to fill some regular position. But he was proud to think, Belden Brice trusted him, and had such confidence in his ability, and he resolved to do the best he could for his employer.
On the following day Franklin left Paterson, and went to Orange, to remain there until the time should come for him to take his departure for the west. Mr. Brice had given him full instructions to what was to be done, and had placed an even hundred dollars in his hand, a sum which the young electrician had divided into two parts, and placed away in the inner pockets of his clothing.
Franklin's brief stop at his uncle's house was thoroughly enjoyed. He saw many of his old school chums, Will Charleigh and Charley Moore among the rest. They wanted to know of his plans, but he put them off, doing it so nicely, however, that none of them were offended.
On the Sunday evening before he was to leave the young electrician attended church, going where he had worshipped so often before. He heard a sermon which interested him deeply, it being upon the title. "Be Honest, No Matter What the Cost," and heresolved to profit thereby, come what might.
It was a beautiful moonlight night, and after seeing his cousins home, Franklin resolved to take a little walk before retiring.
