out of the ordinary, the
printer's trade would be the open way.

He went to his son James and presented the matter. As a result, they
drew up an indenture.

This indenture, which may be found in Franklin's principal biographies,
was a very queer document, but follows the usual form of the times of
George I. It was severe--a form by which a lad was practically sold into
slavery, and yet it contained the demands that develop right conduct in
life. Ben was not constituted to be an apprentice boy under these sharp
conditions even to his own brother. But all began well. His mother, who
worried lest he should follow the example of his brother Josiah, now had
heart content. His father secured an apprentice, and probably had drawn
up for him a like form of indenture.

Benjamin, too, was happy now. He saw that his new way of life led to
somewhere--where? He would do his best to make it lead to the best in
life. He started with a high resolve, which we are sorry he did not
always fulfill in the letter, though the spirit of it never was lost.

His successor in the tallow shop does not seem to have been more happy
than he. His name was Tinsley. There appeared in the New England Courant
of 1722 the following queer advertisement, which we copy because it
affords a picture of the times:

Ran away from his Master, Mr. Josiah Franklin, of
Boston, Tallow-Chandler, on the first of this
instant July, an Irish Man-servant, named William
Tinsley, about 20 Years of Age, of a middle
Stature, black Hair, lately cut off, somewhat
fresh-coloured Countenance, a large lower Lip, of
a mean Aspect, large Legs, and heavy in his Going.
He had on, when he went away, a felt Hat, a white
knit Cap, striped with red and blue, white Shirt,
and neck-cloth, a brown coloured Jacket, almost
new, a frieze Coat, of a dark Colour, grey yarn
Stockings, leather Breeches, trimmed with black,
and round to'd Shoes. Whoever shall apprehend the
said runaway Servant, and him safely convey to his
above said Master, at the blue Ball, in Union
street, Boston, shall have forty Shillings Reward,
and all necessary Charges paid.

As this advertisement was continued for three successive weeks, we are
at liberty to conclude that William Tinsley was not "apprehended."

Let the reader be glad that he did no