me, or paying the royalty due. If you can possibly do so, leave your work for a week and try to trace the boat to where the goods are discharged, or, if you cannot get away, and think it advisable to remain at the works on the watch, hire some first-class man to watch the next consignment sent off."
Franklin read this letter with much interest. He had thought of the smuggling, and began to imagine that such was the correct solution of the mystery. The goods would thus leave the country, and it would be next to impossible for Belden Brice to trace the fraud that had been practiced upon him.
"I wouldn't mind leaving the works, and taking a trip on the freight-boat," he thought. "It would be a change, and when I get back I believe I could easily trace up the goods that have been sent out during my absence."
But to work matters around so that he might make the desired shift, was not so easy. Franklin thought of many different schemes, but gave up each in turn as being awkward, and likely to arouse suspicion.
The week slipped by, and on Saturday afternoon, Franklin was handed his pay, with the remark that his services would be no longer required as a truckman.
The young electrician was surprised at this, as he had been given no intimation that he was to be discharged. He asked if there was any place va-
