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? [Illustration: Franklin delivering his letter to the Stationer in London.] CHAPTER V. _Troubled by his Friend Ralph. Obtains Employment. Ralph turns Schoolmaster, and begins an Epic Poem. Franklin teaches some of his Friends to swim. Anecdote of Mr. Denham. Return to Philadelphia. Story of George Webb. Franklin quarrels with Keimer. Returns to work for him. Employed at Burlington. Leaves Keimer._ 1. His friend Ralph had accompanied Franklin to London, and they were now inseparable companions. They took lodgings together, at three shillings and sixpence a week. Ralph appears to have been a conceited and helpless character, and made several attempts to get in the way of procuring a livelihood. But all his plans were unsuccessful. 2. Franklin immediately procured employment at an extensive printing house, where he remained nearly a year. He was diligent in work, but his shiftless companion consumed a good share of his earnings. His engagements with Miss Read he was thoughtless and heartless enough to forget, and never wrote to her but once during his absence. This conduct he afterwards considered among the greatest faults of his life.