"How long have you worked at the business?" inquired Keimer, turning to Benjamin. "Over three years." "Do you understand all parts of it so that you can go on with it?" "Yes, I think I do; you can ascertain by trying me." "Take this composing-stick and try your hand; let me see what you can do." Benjamin proceeded to give an exhibition of his skill at type-setting, which he did so rapidly and easily that Keimer was delighted. "Very well done, indeed. I think you told the truth; you must have had considerable experience. I will employ you as soon as I have sufficient work. At present, I have nothing for you to do." "It is not often, Mr. Keimer, that you have the opportunity to employ a skilled hand like this young man," suggested Bradford. "If you could give him enough to do to pay his board, until you are full of work, it may be for your interest and his, too." "That is true. I am at work now upon this Elegy on Aquila Rose, who was clerk of the Pennsylvania Legislature; and I may want him to print it. I shall have it ready in three or four days. I am expecting other work soon, also." "You can return to my son's house to eat and sleep," said Mr. Bradford to Benjamin. "I think Mr. Keimer will want you before long. He expects to have business." "What do you think of my prospects here, sir?" inquired Keimer of Mr. Bradford, supposing him to be a citizen of Philadelphia. "I have hardly got under way yet; it is only a few weeks since I began." "That will depend upon your own exertions and business talents. Philadelphia is a growing town, where industry and perseverance will do wonders." "I shall do all in my power to draw the business of the town; and I think I can do it by industry and giving first-class work." "How can you expect to get all the business when there is another printer here, who has been established some time?" Keimer answered the last inquiry by disclosing his plans, as Bradford artfully drew him out on every point, until he learned how he was calculating to command all the business, and run his son out of it. Nor did Keimer dream that he was conversing with the father of the other printer, whom he designed to deprive of his livelihood. All the while Benjamin stood and listened to their conversation, perceiving that Bradford was shrewdly learning Keimer's plans for the benefit of his son. "You did not know that man, did you?" inquired Benjamin, after Bradford left. "No; but I concluded he was some business man of the town, who would be interested to see a printing office successful, and so took pains to introduce you to me." "Then you will be surprised to learn who he is, when I tell you. That was the father of Andrew Bradford, your neighbor, the printer. He carries on printing in New York." "Can that be?" exclaimed Keimer, astonished over the bit of news, and startled at the thought of having made known his plans to a competitor.