During this time, Franklin grew more proficient in his work, and on the third day turned out fully as much as either of his fellow-workmen. It was evident that by the end of a week or ten days he would be able to do at least ten per cent. more than they. Jackson and Nolan saw this, but, strange to say, still kept their mouths closed about it.
Franklin had been making many inquiries concerning boarding places, and finally found something which just suited him. A real old motherly lady had a hall bedroom to spare, and agreed to board him for four dollars a week, and this Franklin readily accepted. He calculated that he would make at least nine or ten dollars a week at his work and this would leave him five to send to his aunt weekly. Not a large sum, but one he knew would come in very acceptably.
Franklin made himself agreeable to all of the others in the the shop, but, as he was naturally above them, and they knew it, there was not one of them took to him. Some of the young fellows began to call him Softy, and the smaller boys would cut up behind his back, making grimaces at which their companions would roar. They called him the gent that was going to buy out the works next week and wanted to know from each other why he didn't wear white gloves when at his bench. They also tacked his polishing rags fast, and more than once hid his tools.
