Bound to be an Electrician

Front matter

WORKING UPWARD SERIES

BOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN

OR

Chapter 1

BOUND TO BE AN ELECTRICIAN

CHAPTER I.

THE YOUNG ELECTRICIAN.

"Franklin!" called Mrs. Bell from the bottom of the stairs.

"Yes, Aunt Martha."

"Are you not coming down? Charley Moore and Katie have come, and Will Charleigh has been here a quarter of an hour."

"In a minute, aunt; just as soon as I can get this new battery to work. There seems to be something the matter with the zinc plates, and I want to test them."

"Oh, dear, was there ever such a boy!" sighed Mrs. Bell, as she walked away from the stairs. "Ever since he visited Edison's works at Llewellyn Park he has been crazy on the subject of electricity. He has two or three batteries in his room, and the shelf that used to hold his school books is filled with bottles of blue vitriol, sulphate of I don't know what, and a lot of other trash. I declare, it makes me tired to see them littering up the place."

"Yes, Will was telling me about Frank," returned Mrs. Charleigh, who had come over to help Mrs. Bell at the party to be held by the young people. "He thinks Frank the smartest boy in Orange, and he has been at me and his pa to get him a battery and some sort of a telephone to put up from his bedroom window to Frank's."

"I don't know where he gets his liking for electricity," resumed Mrs. Bell, with a shake of her head. "I'm sure his father, who has been dead these ten years, never took any interest in that subject, and his mother died before batteries were known, excepting by doctors and such folks."

"Well, we're living in an age of progress, so Mr. Charleigh says, and I suppose the boys have got to move the same as the rest," said Mrs. Charleigh. "Now what do you want, Will?" she continued, to her son, who had just touched her arm.

"I would like to go up to Frank's room, if Mrs. Bell will let me," returned the boy, a curly-headed, manly-looking fellow of sixteen.

"You can go, if you will promise to bring Frank down in five minutes," replied Mrs. Bell. "Tell him it's a shame to stay up there when the boys and girls are arriving just as fast as ever they can."

And Mrs. Bell darted off to welcome some newcomers.

Will Charleigh bounded up the broad steps two at a time and burst into the little room at the end of the hallway.

"I couldn't wait any longer for you!" he cried. "All the guests are coming, and your aunt says you are to come down inside of five minutes, sure pop." He paused to catch his breath. "What have you got there?"

Franklin Bell answered without looking up. He was a serious-faced, determined-looking youth, of the same age as Will Charleigh.

"This is a new gravity battery, Will, but, somehow, I can't make the thing work. The zinc plates didn't come, and I tried some of my old ones, but I guess they are so coated that I will have to scrape and wash them."

"What are you going to do with the battery? You have three others now."

"Not gravity batteries. That one is a Grove, the one in the corner is a bichromate, and the one by the window is a nickel-plating battery."

"You are talking Greek to me, Frank. I don't understand 'tudder from which,' as the saying goes, excepting about the nickel-plating battery. What are you going to do with that"

"Plate a number of things around the house,"

"Can you do it?"

"I have plated this old brass watch chain What do you think of that?"

Will took the chain, which shone brightly, and examined it carefully.

"I declare, looks as if it just came from the jeweler's," he cried. I wish my brass watch case was plated like that."

"I'll plate it for you if you will take the works out." Franklin worked on in silence for a minute. "There! now the battery appears to be all right."

"Then you are ready to go below?"

"Yes. After supper I intend to show the girls and boys some curious experiments and give them all a shock. Come ahead."

Franklin Bell was an orphan, who had lived with his Uncle William ever since his father had died. The youth did not remember his mother, nor did he remember any home but that which he now possessed.

The Bells lived in a modest house on one of the side streets of the pretty city of Orange. Mr. Bell was a bookkeeper in a factory in New York. He had once been rich, but through the rascality of pretended friends his wealth had taken wings, and he was now compelled to work hard for every dollar he earned.

Mr. William Bell had no sons, but he had five daughters, all of whom were younger than their cousin Franklin. There was Clara, aged fourteen; Annie, Flossie, Daisy, and Baby Bess, just turning two. They all liked Franklin, and looked on him more as a big brother than anything else.

Downstairs the front room and the hall were pretty well filled, and a buzz of conversation was going on.

"Here is Frank now!" exclaimed Charley Moore, rushing forward. "We have been waiting for you the longest while! Did you lose your collar button, or couldn't you find your necktie?"

There was a laugh from a number of girls at this, and Franklin, who was rather bashful, blushed.

"He's been getting something ready to surprise you with," said Will, coming to the rescue.

"Surprise us" What with. Will? Do tell us!" exclaimed half a dozen girls simultaneously.

Will Charleigh put on a most mysterious air.

"I can't do it," he said, in a tragic whisper. "It's a secret."

Just then Franklin's cousin Clara sat down to the piano and began to play a polka, and those of the young people who knew how began to dance, while the others broke into little groups, some to talk and others to play games and look at the stereoptican views.

Promptly at seven o'clock supper in the dining-room and in the little conservatory annexed to it was announced. While the guests were being seated, Franklin slipped away and rushed upstairs.

"Where are you going?" shouted his cousin Daisy after him.

"You'll find out in a minute," he cried back. "Just go out to the table and wait."

It was somewhat dark in the little conservatory on account of the many plants, and Will and Charley were sorry they had not placed lanterns around. They would make such a pretty effect among the flowers.

"I spoke about it, but Frank said not to mind," explained Will.

"Well, it will be too dark to eat2" began Mrs. Bell.

Then she stopped short and looked up into one of the large palms, from the branches of which a curious hissing sound issued.

Then came a splutter, several flashes of fire, and in another second the little conservatory was illumined by half a dozen brilliant electric lights.

What a shout went up! "Did you ever!" "Isn't it just lovely!" "I never thought Frank could do it!"

Will waved his handkerchief over his head.

"Hurrah for Franklin Bell!" he cried.

And just as Franklin appeared once more the cheers were given with a will.

The youth was so embarrassed he fairly sneaked into his seat, but he was hauled out by Will and made to acknowledge the cheers.

The supper was a success, and after it was over every one felt in the best of humor.

When most of the young folks had grown tired of dancing Franklin brought down one of his bat

The girls shrieked and the boys laughed Page 11

and allowed first the girls and then the boys to examine it, and he explained how it worked, getting so warmed to his subject that he actually delivered a little address.

Then all present were told to join hands, the first person in the circle taking hold of one handle of the battery and the last person hold of the other, and then Franklin turned on the current gradually.

The girls shrieked and the boys laughed as the strange sensation shot through them, and Will pretended to be electrified, as he termed it, and began to cut up a series of monkeyshines, which set everybody in a roar.

"I declare, they do go wild over it," said Mrs. Bell, who stood in the hall doorway looking on. "If only some accident don't happen."

"Franklin appears to be a very careful boy," replied Mrs. Moore, who sat near. "Besides, I imagine those batteries are not strong enough to do any serious damage."

After everyone had had all the shocks desired, Franklin placed the battery to one side and brought forth several bottles, some glass, and a number of strips of metal.

"Now I will show you something that has just been discovered," he said. "We will place these bits of glass in a tumbler of water2"

A violent ringing at the front door bell interrupted him. There was a hush as Mrs. Bell opened the door.

"Does Mr. William Bell live here?" asked a rather rough-looking man in a voice which was distinctly heard in the parlor.

"He does," replied Mrs. Bell, but he has not yet returned from New York, although I expect him every minute."

"I suppose you do, mum, but—but2" The man hesitated, and fumbled his hands in the pockets of his short coat.

"But what?" questioned Mrs. Bell, shortly.

"He's been hurted, mum, on the railroad."

"Hurt? My husband hurt?" cried the woman, turning deadly pale.

"Yes, mum. Not very bad, mum, but pretty bad, too. They told me to come ahead an' tell you to have a place fixed for him. Here they are now, mum."

Mrs. Bell gave a shriek which brought Franklin to her side instantly.

"Your uncle has been hurt, perhaps killed!" gasped the poor woman. "See, here they come now with him!"

Mrs. Bell pointed down the street, and her breast heaved violently.

Franklin looked in the direction, and by the rays from the electric light on the corner, saw several men approaching through the snow with a baggage truck, upon which lay a motionless form covered with a white cloth.

Chapter 2

CHAPTER II.

FRANKLIN FINDS EMPLOYMENT.

On the instant there was great excitement throughout the Bell family and their friends. All the games and the experiments with Franklin's battery were forgotten, and everybody crowded to the front door.

"Papa has been killed!" shrieked Daisy, and fell in a dead faint upon the hall settee.

"No, mum, he is not killed," said the man who had brought the sad news. "He is only badly hurted about the shoulders, mum."

Mrs. Bell was too dazed to speak or move as the men with the truck entered the yard and approached the front piazza.

Franklin drew a deep breath, thus trying to throw off some imaginary weight from his breast, and led his aunt into the parlor.

"Will you show the men to my uncle's room?" he said to Mrs. Charleigh. "It is the one in the front."

"Certainly," was the reply. "Perhaps they will want bandages. Where can I find them?"

"Clara will show you. Come, brace up, cousin. It may not be as bad as all of you imagine."

For the poor girl was weeping as if her heart would break.

Mrs. Charleigh led the way up the stairs, and the men followed with Mr. Bell's body. Clara came on behind, trying to dry her tears with her dainty handkerchief.

"I wouldn't all go up," remonstrated Franklin, as the other four girls started to follow. "You had better stay here with your mother. Are you better, Daisy?"

"Yes, but, oh! Frank, isn't it simply dreadful!" burst out the girl.

"Let us hope for the best." He stroked his aunt's hair. "There, there. Aunt Martha, I don't believe it's so very bad. The man said he was only hurt about the shoulders."

"Oh, Franklin! What shall we do? We must have a doctor."

"I'll go for him," put in Will, coming forward.

"Get Doctor Noble if you can, and otherwise Doctor Vincent," said Mrs. Bell.

A little later she and Franklin went up stairs, where Mr. Bell lay on the bed, still unconscious. The poor woman gave a cry and flung herself across her husband's body.

Franklin and Mrs. Charleigh did what they could to soothe her, and waited impatiently for the phy- sician to come. At last he put in an appearance and went to work on the instant.

"It is a compound fracture of the collar bone," was Dr. Noble's report. "Not necessarily dangerous, unless there are internal injuries attending it. He must be kept perfectly quiet."

Just then Mr. Bell moved slightly.

"Martha!" he murmured.

"I am here, William," replied his wife.

"I—I—fell from the train trying to get off too soon," went on the sufferer.

"We know all about it, Mr. Bell," said the Doctor kindly. "Please keep quiet and you will be all right."

"My neck hurts me."

"Your collar bone is broken and you must not move."

"Broken!"

"Yes."

The injured man groaned.

"Too bad! too bad! What will my wife and family and Franklin do?"

"Never mind us, William," put in Mrs. Bell. "You must do as the doctor says."

"But I cannot work and earn anything."

"Never mind. Be thankful you are spared to us. You will be well some day."

After this the injured man became quiet. The doctor did all in his power and then left, stating that he would come again early in the morning. The men who had brought Mr. Bell from the station withdrew, and one after another those who had attended the party went home, leaving Mrs. Bell, Franklin and the girls alone.

"It's a sorrowful ending for your party, Franklin," said Mrs. Bell to the boy, after all but Clara and Daisy had gone to bed. "We never would have dreamed of this a few hours ago."

"I do not care about the party," replied the youth. "But I am awfully sorry uncle has been hurt. I suppose he will have to stay in bed for a a long time to come."

"Yes many weeks, and perhaps months," sighed Mrs. Bell.

"And during that time he won't be earning anything." went on Franklin.

"No, our income will be cut off entirely."

"Then I think it about time that I found something to do, don't you?"

"I—I suppose so," hesitated Mrs. Bell. The idea of Franklin going to work so young had never before struck her.

"I intended to speak about the matter to Uncle Will to-morrow," went on the youth. "It's about time I was earning something."

"But what will you do?"

"If uncle and you are willing, I intended to strike Mr. Fells for work."

"Mr. Fells? Who is he?"

"He is an old man who has a shop over on Main Street, he puts up electric door-bells, burglar alarms, and other electrical appliances."

"I might have known you would desire that kind of work," replied Mrs. Bell, with a faint smile. "All your ideas seem to run upon electricity."

"I admit they do, aunt. I don't seem to care a rap for anything else. I would rather be a second Edison than the President of the United States!"

And Franklin's face glowed with enthusiasm as he spoke.

"In that case it is certainly the work you should go at. I don't believe in trying to put a boy at some occupation he doesn't care for, because he will never get very far along in it."

"I know I could get along in electricity," returned Franklin, with a decided shake of his head. "All I want is the start."

"Do you think Mr. Fells needs help?"

"I think so. A fellow named Gresson worked for him, but he used to be so irregular Mr. Fells discharged him."

Mrs. Bell was silent for a moment.

"Well, Franklin, do as you think best." she said. "It won't do to worry your poor uncle about it, and I know very little about such things."

So the following day, after Doctor Noble had called and reported favorably upon Mr. Bell's con- dition, Franklin set out for the shop of which he had spoken.

It was a long low place, with dirty windows. The shelves were full of bells, wire, batteries, and similar things. In the rear, near a couple of windows, was a work-bench, and here the youth found the proprietor of the place hard at work figuring on the cost of putting electrical appliances in a new house that was being built on Hillside avenue.

"Good morning, Mr. Fells," said Franklin politely.

"Hullo, Bell, is that you?" cried the man looking up. "Say, is that true your father was hurt on the railroad last night?"

"Mr. Bell is my uncle," returned the youth. "Yes, he had his collar bone fractured."

"Too bad. How did it happen?"

Franklin related the details, as they had been told to him by one of the men. Mr. Fells worked and listened at the same time.

"No use talking, tain't safe to jump from the train till she stops," he commented.

"That is true."

"It will keep your uncle to home for a long spell, I take it."

"Yes, Sir, and it's a very bad thing, not only for him, but for the family as well."

"I suppose 'tis. He was only working on salary, wasn't he?"

"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 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."

"No, I won't, and I want you to clear out," replied Silas Fells.

"Very well; you'll be sorry for this; see if you aint!" exclaimed Andrew Gresson, and he rolled out of the place and up the street.

A minute later, Franklin also left. Up at the corner of the street he came face to face with the discharged workman, who grabbed him by the arm.

"So you're the feller as is goin' to do me out of my job!" cried Gresson, savagely.

"No," replied Franklin, stoutly, "Mr. Fells wanted a man, and I secured the place."

"It's the same thing."

"I don't think so. If you had remained sober he would not have discharged you."

"I don't want no preachin' from a boy! I ain't a-goin to stand it!"

"What are you going to do?" asked Franklin, curiously.

"Never mind; you'll see."

"Why don't you sober up and then, perhaps Mr. Fells will take you back."

"He'd take me back anyway, if he knew what was best for him," growled Andrew Gresson. "He won't gain nothin' by dischargin' me. I was the best man he ever had, and he knows it."

"I imagine Mr. Fells knows his own business best," returned Franklin, briefly.

And with this remark he walked away. Andrew Gresson shook his fist after the youth.

"I'll get square; see if I don't," he muttered under his breath.

Chapter 3

CHAPTER III.

FRANKLIN GETS INTO A DIFFICULTY.

Mrs. Bell and the girls were surprised to learn that Franklin had obtained employment so easily, and when, later in the day, Mr. Bell was informed of it, he appeared well pleased.

"And I am to get six dollars a week," added the youth.

"Six dollars is quite good pay for a boy," said Mrs. Bell, who was in the sick-room.

"You will pay your aunt something, I hope," said Mr. Bell. "Now, I am not working—"

"The doctor says you must not talk too much," interposed Mrs. Bell. "And you must not worry."

"But the children, Martha," sighed the invalid.

"I intend to give all the money to Aunt Martha," said Franklin. "It is not much, but it will help some towards tiding over the time until you are well."

"Oh, Franklin, I did not expect your whole wages!" cried Mrs. Bell.

"But that is what you shall have, aunt. Come now, I won't have it any different—at least not while uncle is not able to work. You have always supported me since father died, and I owe it to you to do something."

And, afraid that he might be urged to give up his idea, Franklin arose and left the room.

"A worthy boy!" murmured Mr. Bell. "The amount is not large, and by close pinching we might have done without it, but it shows the proper spirit."

"It does, indeed, William," replied Mrs. Bell. "I trust he finds the work suitable. I imagine from now on electrical work will be much in demand."

"Yes, the openings are numerous, and the field is fresh. Franklin takes to it, and I hope from the bottom of my heart he makes a success of it."

Bright and early on the following morning, Franklin presented himself at Silas Fells' workshop. The old man had already arrived, and was placing a number of things in the push-cart, which he soon after directed should be taken over to Mr. Mace's residence.

Franklin took hold with a will. It was his first start in business, and he wished to make a good showing and thus please his employer.

The cart was pushed over through the snow to the Mace mansion, and then the two began to carry things into the house, and deposit them in the hallway.

While Franklin was outside and Mr. Fells in the mansion, the youth saw a man leave the place by a side gate, for the residence stood on a corner. The man was Andrew Gresson.

"Now, what can he be doing here?" thought Franklin. "I don't believe he knows any of the Maces."

He watched Gresson for a second, and then Mr. Fells called, and he went inside just as the discharged workman went up the street leading to the depot.

"I want you to take one of these alarms up to the front room up stairs," said Silas Fells. "Then take this wire and run it long the hallway to that bend where the stairs come down. I will be up in a few minutes."

"Yes, Sir."

Franklin wished to tell Silas Fells that he had seen Andrew Gresson about the house. But Mrs. Mace, a sharp, ill-natured woman, stood close at hand, and he decided to wait until they were alone.

He gathered up the articles Silas Fells had mentioned, and mounted the stairs with them. The room in the front was closed, and Franklin knocked before entering.

Receiving no answer he placed the things he was carrying on the floor and opened the door.

As he entered, a sudden gust of wind slammed the door shut. He was just about to open it again and bring in the alarm that was to be placed on the wall there, when something unusual about the room caused him to pause.

Hanging over the back of a chair in the middle of the room was a man's coat. On the chair rested a small square box, which was wide open. On the floor near the chair lay a bracelet and a diamond ring!

"Hullo, what does this mean?" he exclaimed.

Turning to the table he saw that the lamp was lit, although it was bright daylight in the room. He looked around, and in one corner of the apartment discovered a deep and dark closet, the door of which stood wide open.

"They probably lit the lamp to find something in the closet," thought Franklin. He picked up the jewelry and placed the bracelet on the table.

"It's a careless way to leave jewelry lying about," muttered the young electrician to himself, as he examined the diamond ring. "I thought Mrs. Mace looked like a more careful woman."

To all appearances the diamond ring was a valuable one, and after a look at it the youth placed both it and the bracelet on the jewel casket, for the box on the chair was nothing else.

Then Franklin opened the door and brought in the alarm. He was just about to set the clock-like machine on the table when a sudden thought flashed through his mind.

Could it be possible that Andrew Gresson had been up in that room?

Franklin stood stock still as the thought coursed through his brain. Somehow, he now wished he had told Mr. Fells that the discharged workman had been at the house.

Just then he heard the front door below close, and from the window he saw Silas Fells tramp down the street in the direction of the shop. The old man had forgotten certain connections to be used, and he did not wish to run the risk of sending Franklin after them, the youth not yet knowing where things were kept in the place.

Seeing there was nothing else to do, Franklin began work as he had been directed, and before long he became so absorbed that he forgot all about the jewel casket and its contents.

He placed the alarm in position on a bracket between the windows and made the connections with the sashes, and then began to run the wire through the hallway, as he had been told.

While he was at work just outside of the door of the front room, he heard steps on the stairs, and Mrs. Mace appeared.

"Well, how are you getting along, young man?" she asked, in a peculiar high pitch of voice.

"All right, ma'am," replied the youth.

"I want you and Mr. Fells to make a good job of this," continued the woman. "I don't intend to pay a high price for any botch work."

"Mr. Fells said the work was to be done in a first-class manner," returned Franklin.

"There are so many burglaries taking place, I declare a body ain't safe any more. I told Mr. Mace I wouldn't go another day without some protection for night time."

And with this remark Mrs. Mace walked through the hallway and down the back stairs.

"I wish I had told her about the jewel casket," thought Franklin after she was gone. "Perhaps it's all right, but it doesn't look so to me."

He finished laying out the wire, and then went below and waited for Silas Fells to return. But as the old man did not do so, Franklin finally set off for the shop to see what was the matter.

As he did so he met Mr. Mace, accompanied by a stranger.

He nodded to the two men, and was about to pass on when a cry from the upper window of the mansion caused him to come to a dead stop.

"Stop the thief! Stop the thief!"

It was Mrs. Mace's shrill voice, and it startled all three of those at the gate.

"What's that, Jane?" demanded Mr. Mace.

"Stop that boy, John!"

"What has he done?"

"Robbed the house!" replied Mrs. Mace. "Hold him! Don't let him escape!"

"I have robbed nobody," cried Franklin "I never stole a thing in my life."

"He did! He did!" insisted Mrs. Mace. "Hold him till I come down, John!"

She disappeared from the window, and a minute later came rushing out of the front door and down to where Franklin and the two men stood.

"Now what has he done, Jane?" demanded Mr. Mace once more.