"That may be." Benjamin's brief reply indicated that he was not quite certain on that point.
"It appears to me," continued Mr. Denham, "that your first thoughts should be concerned about returning to Philadelphia, that you may set up business for yourself there."
"I do not see much prospect of that at present. Of course I should be glad to return home; for there is no place I prefer to Philadelphia."
"So far as prospects of which you speak are concerned, we can not always judge; unexpected opportunities sometimes offer; and you do not want to put yourself where you can not accept and use them."
"Of course not," Benjamin answered, evidently disappointed that his friend did not endorse the scheme.
"I should recommend decidedly that you abandon the project entirely, and think no more about it. Then you can continue your work with the intention of returning to America whenever a favorable opportunity occurs."
Benjamin accepted the advice of Mr. Denham, and reported to Wygate, to the no small disappointment of the latter; and both discarded the scheme and devoted themselves to honest labor.
Benjamin heard of a place where he could get boarded at two shillings a week, when he was paying three shillings and sixpence a week in Duke Street.
"I think I shall be under the necessity of changing," he said to the widow with whom he was boarding. "I want to save all the money I can, so as to return to America."
"I shall be very sorry to have you leave, Mr. Franklin, if I can possibly arrange with you to remain."