Still conscientious, he plodded, nor did he cease to aspire even in his own restricted avocations.

Because of his level common sense, which is the main ingredient in the success-portion, he went easily into the first councils of the community.

Joylessly painstaking and exact, he still prospered in what simple practice of the law there offered, acting as counsel for the railway, defending a rare criminal case, collecting accounts, carrying on title contests and "adverse" suits in the many cases before the Register of the Land Office, and performing all the simple humdrum of the busy country lawyer.

He made more and more money, since at that time one of his position and opportunities could hardly avoid doing so.

His place in the business world was assured.
He had no occasion for concern.
For most men this would have been prosperity sufficient; yet never did Edward Franklin lie down with the long breath of the man content; and ever in his dreams there came the vague beckoning of a hand still half unseen.