The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes. Samuel G. Goodrich

time, when they would be ready. They were delayed, however, again and again, till the ship was on the point of sailing.

      17. When Franklin went to take leave, and receive the letters, the secretary came out and said, that the governor was very busy on business of importance, but that he would send the letters on board, wishing him a good voyage and a speedy return.

      18. Understanding that despatches had been brought on board, from the governor, Franklin asked the captain for the letters that were to be under his care. The captain told him that they had all been put into the bag together, and he could not then come at them; but that before they landed in England, he should have an opportunity of picking them out. This satisfied him for the present, and he thought nothing more of it during the voyage.

      19. When they arrived in the Channel, the captain kept his word, and permitted him to examine the bag, for the governor's letters. He found some upon which his name was put, and picked out six or seven, which he thought might be the promised letters. One of these was addressed to Basket, the king's printer, and another to some stationer.

      20. They reached London on the twenty-fourth of December, 1724. Franklin waited upon the stationer, who came first in his way, and delivered the letter as from Governor Keith. "I don't know such a person," said he; but opening the letter—"O! this is from Riddlesden; I have lately found him to be a complete rascal, and I will have nothing to do with him, nor receive any letters from him." Returning the letter, he turned upon his heel and went to wait upon some customer.

      21. It turned out that the governor had sent no letters by Franklin, but had completely deceived him. With no intention of giving him any assistance, he had blinded him with brilliant promises and false hopes. But Franklin was able to assist himself. He determined to procure employment among the printers in London, and acquire a thorough knowledge of his profession before he returned to America.

      1. What happened to his friend Collins?

      2. What attention did Franklin receive from the governor of New York?

      4. What was Sir William Keith's conduct?

      5. What was the proposed visit to England?

      7. What started the scheme of a new sect?

      8. Why did it fail?

      10. Relate the anecdote of Keimer and the roast pig.

      12. Who were his chief acquaintance at this period? What was the task proposed among them?

      14. What was the trick played upon Osborne?

      17. What was the conduct of the governor?

      18. Did Franklin receive the letters promised by the governor?

      20. What was the fate of Franklin's first letter of introduction?

      21. What course did Franklin determine to pursue?