Among other things, he said:
"A young printer from Boston has settled there recently, who ranks
high as a workman and as a talented young man."
"Do you know his name?" inquired Captain Homes, startled by the
revelation.
"Benjamin Franklin."
With an effort to conceal his surprise and interest, he asked:
"For whom does he work?"
"For Mr. Keimer, our new printer."
"Are you acquainted with him?"
"Not particularly; I have met him."
"Is he a young man of standing and good habits?"
"He is. It is said that he is very talented, and that he wrote for the
press in Boston before he came to Philadelphia."
"Is that so?" responded the captain, to conceal that he was any
acquaintance of his.
"Yes; and, as a matter of course, such a young man is much thought of.
He is not set up at all, but appears to be modest and unassuming. He
is very much liked by all."
"Do you think he means to make Philadelphia his home in the future?"
"That is what he intends, as I understand it." In this way, Captain
Homes gained whatever information he wanted, without disclosing that
Benjamin Franklin was his brother-in-law. Then he embraced the first
opportunity to write and forward to him the following letter from
Newcastle:
"DEAR BROTHER,--I have just learned from a citizen of Philadelphia
that you reside in that town.
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