"None at all. I do not know a single person here." "What did you come here for?" "I came to get work in a printing-office. I am a printer by trade." "How old are you?" "I am seventeen years old, sir," replied Benjamin, just beginning to perceive that the man suspected him of being a runaway. "And came all the way from Boston alone?" "Yes, sir!" Benjamin closed the conversation as soon as he could conveniently, after perceiving that his appearance had excited suspicions, and went to his room, where he lay down and slept till six o'clock in the evening, when he was called to supper. He went to bed again very early, and was soon locked in the embrace of "nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep." CHAPTER XVII. GETTING WORK. After a good night's sleep, Benjamin arose and dressed himself as neatly as he could with his old clothes, and repaired to Andrew Bradford's printing-office. "Ah! then you have arrived," said an old gentleman, rising to salute him as he entered. "I reached here first." "Oh, it is Mr. Bradford!" exclaimed Benjamin, surprised at meeting the old printer whom he saw in New York, and who directed him to his son, Andrew Bradford, of Philadelphia. "I did not expect to meet you here." "I suppose not. I started off unexpectedly, and came all the way on horseback. But I am glad that you have reached here safely. This is a young man from Boston" (addressing his son and introducing Benjamin), "after work in a printing-office, and I directed him to you. Franklin is your name, I believe." "Yes, sir! Benjamin Franklin." Mr. Bradford received him very cordially, and being about to eat breakfast, he said: "Come, it is my breakfast hour, and you shall be welcome to the table. We can talk this matter over at the table;"--and Benjamin accepted the invitation. "I told this young man," said the old printer from New York, "that one of your men died a short time since, and you would want a printer to take his place." "That is true," replied Mr. Andrew Bradford. "I did want another hand to take his place, but I hired one only a few days since. I am sorry to disappoint this youth who has come so far for work." "Is there another printing-office here?" asked Benjamin. "Yes; a man by the name of Keimer has just commenced the business, and I think he would be glad to employ you." "I must get work somewhere," added Benjamin, "for I have spent nearly all my money in getting here." "If he will not employ you," added Mr. Bradford, kindly, "you may lodge at my house, and I will give you a little work from time to time until business is better." "That will be a great favour to me," answered Benjamin, "for which I shall be very thankful;" and he really felt more grateful to Mr. Bradford for the offer than his words indicated. "I will go with you to see Mr. Keimer," said old Mr. Bradford from New York. "Perhaps I can be of some service to you in securing a place."