y. You took care of father when he was sick for the
last time, and you anticipated all his wants. I love you for that,
Jenny."

"But it made me happy to do it, and the memory of it makes me happy
now."

"And mother, you were her life in her old age. They are gone, both gone,
but your heart made them happy when their steps were retreating. O
Jenny, Jenny, your hair is turning gray, and mine is gray already. You
have fulfilled Uncle Benjamin's charge under the trees. You have been
true to your home."

"I only wish that I could have done more for our folks; and you, Ben--I
can see you now as you were on that summer day--you have been true to
your country."

"Jenny, do you remember the old writing-school master, George Brownell?
You do? Well, I have a great secret for you. I used to tell my affairs
to you many years ago. I am in favor of the _independence_ of the
colonies; and when Congress shall so declare, I shall put my name, that
the old schoolmaster taught me to write, to the Declaration."

"Ben, it may cost you your life!"

"Then I will leave Uncle Ben's name in mine to the martyrs' list. I must
be true to my country as you have been to your family--I must live for
the things that live. I am Uncle Ben's pamphlet, Jenny. I know not what
may befall me. This may be the last time that I shall ever visit Boston
town--my beloved Boston--but I have found power with men by seeking
their good, and my prayer is that I may one day meet you again, and have
you say to me that I have honored Uncle Ben's name. I would rather have
that praise from you than from any other person in the world: 'More than
wealth, more than fame, more than anything, is the power of the human
heart.'"

It was night. The camp of Washington was glimmering far away. Boston
Neck was barricaded. There was a ship in the mouth of the Charles. A
cannon boomed on Charlestown's hills.

"Jenny, I must go. When shall we meet again? Not until I have put Uncle
Ben's name to the declaration of American liberty and independence is
won. I must prepare the minds of the people to resolve to become an
independent nation. My sister, my own true sister, what events may pass
before we shall see each other again! When you were younger I made you a
present of a spinning-wheel; later I sent you finery. I wish to leave
you now this watch. The hours of the struggle for human liberty are at
hand. Count the hours!"

They parted at the gate. The leaves were falling. It was