Franklin, when the young man was admitted to his office. "My gout is
gone and I am in good spirits in spite of your adventure."

"And I suppose you will scold me for the adventure."

"You will scold yourself when the consequences have arrived. They will
be sure to give you a spanking. The deed is done, and well done. On
the whole I think it has been good for the cause, but bad for you."

"Why?"

"You may have to run out of England to save your neck and the face of
the King. He was there, I believe?"

"Yes, sir."

"The injured lad is in a bad way. The wound caught an infection.
Intense fever and swelling have set in. I helped Sir John Pringle to
amputate the arm this afternoon, but even that may not save the
patient. Here is a storm to warn the wandering linnet to his shade. A
ship goes to-morrow evening. Get ready to take it. In that case your
marriage will have to be delayed. Rash men are often compelled to live
on hope and die fasting."

"With Sir Benjamin, the duel has been a help instead of a hindrance,"
said the young man. "My stubborn soul has been the great obstacle."

Then he told of his interview with Sir Benjamin Hare.

Franklin put his hand on Jack's shoulder and said with a smile:

"My son, I love you. I could wish you to be no different. Cheer up.
Time will lay the dust, and perhaps sooner than you think."

"I hope to see Margaret to-morrow morning."

"Ah, then, 'what Grecian arts of soft persuasion!'" Franklin quoted.
"I hope that she, too, will follow the great star in the west!"

"I hope so, but I greatly fear that our meeting will be prevented."

"Did you get my note of to-day at your lodgings?" Franklin asked.

"No," said Jack. "I left there soon after ten."

"Lord Chatham has kindly offered to secure admission for you and me to
the House of Lords. He is making an important motion. Come, let us go
and see the hereditary legislators."

Lord Stanhope met them at the door of the House of Lords. There was a
great bustle among the officers when His Lordship announced their names
and his desire to have them admitted. The officers hurried in after
members and there was some delay, in the course of which the Americans
were turned from the division reserved for eldest sons and brothers of
peers. Not less than ten minutes were consumed in the process of
seating Franklin and his friend.

Soon Lord Chatham arose and moved that His Majesty's forces be
withdrawn from Bosto