"Because you planned to be back here a long time ago; I concluded that you had forsaken us."
"Not yet; I have seen no place abroad quite equal to Philadelphia. I did not return as soon as I expected." And Benjamin rehearsed to Keimer substantially his experience with Governor Keith, that he might understand why his return was delayed.
"That is what you got for concealing your purpose," said Keimer. "I could have told you that Keith was wholly unreliable, and so could a good many other people. He has been turned out of office because of his rascality."
"I am glad to hear that. I am a little curious to see how he will act, and hear what he will say, when I meet him."
"He won't meet you if he can help it. I see him occasionally on the street, and he looks crestfallen."
"He will look more so, I imagine, when he meets me. I propose to talk matters over very plainly with him."
"That can do no good. The less breath you waste in that way, the better for you," replied Keimer. "But I suppose you want to go to work at your old trade? Plenty of work here, and you are just the man to do it."
Keimer's business had increased largely, and he had added many facilities for doing work, so that the establishment presented a more attractive appearance.
"No; I am a printer no longer," answered Benjamin. "I am booked for the mercantile business in Philadelphia"
"How is that? Were you not a printer in London?"