diff --git a/src/escpos/printer.py b/src/escpos/printer.py
index b658efb..5102890 100644
--- a/src/escpos/printer.py
+++ b/src/escpos/printer.py
@@ -154,6 +154,10 @@ class Serial(Escpos):
         :type msg: bytes
         """
         self.device.write(msg)
+        
+    def _read(self):
+        """ Reads a data buffer and returns it to the caller. """
+        return self.device.read(16)
 
     def close(self):
         """ Close Serial interface """