Now it so happened that Sir William Keith, the governor of the province,
was at Newcastle at that very time. He was with Captain Holmes when the
letter came to hand.

When Captain Holmes had read the letter he was so pleased with it that
he showed it to the governor.

Governor Keith read it and was surprised when he learned that its writer
was a lad only seventeen years old.

"He is a young man of great promise," he said; "and he must be
encouraged. The printers in Philadelphia know nothing about their
business. If young Franklin will stay there and set up a press, I will
do a great deal for him."

One day not long after that, when Franklin was at work in Keimer's
printing-office, the governor came to see him. Franklin was very much
surprised.

The governor offered to set him up in a business of his own. He promised
that he should have all the public printing in the province.

"But you will have to go to England to buy your types and whatever else
you may need."

Franklin agreed to do this. But he must first return to Boston and get
his father's consent and assistance.

The governor gave him a letter to carry to his father. In a few weeks he