of Franklin fills the world, and in most places is pronounced like a
benediction.

From a tallow-chandler's shop to palaces; from the companionship of
Uncle Ben, the poet, to that of royal blood, people of highest rank, and
the most noble and cultured of mankind; from being laughed at, to being
looked upon with universal reverence, love, and awe.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

THE TALE OF AN OLD VELVET COAT.

WHEN Franklin appeared to sign the Treaty of Peace between England and
the United States, he surprised the ministers, envoys, and his own
friends by wearing an old velvet coat. What did his appearance in this
strange garment mean?

We must tell you the story, for it is an illustration of his honorable
pride and the sensitiveness of his character. There was a time when all
England, except a few of his own friends, were laughing at Franklin.
Why?

Men who reach honorable success in life always pass through dark
days--every sun and star is eclipsed some day--and Franklin had one day
of eclipse that burned into his very soul, the memory of which haunted
him as long as he lived.

It was that day when he, after a summons, appeared before the Council of
the Crown as the agent of the colonies, and was openly charged with
dishonor. It is the day of the charge of dishonor that is the darkest of
all life. To an honorable man it is the day of a false charge of
dishonor that leaves the deepest sting in memory.

"My life and honor both together run;
Take honor from me, and my life is done."

But how came Franklin, the agent of the colonies in London, to be called
before the Privy Council and to be charged with dishonor?

While he was in London and the colonies were filled with discontent and
indignation at the severe measures of the crown, there came to him a
member of Parliament who told him that these measures of which the
colonies complained had been brought about by certain men in the
colonies themselves; that the ministry had acted upon the advice of
these men, and had thought that they were acting justly and wisely. Two
of the men cited were Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson and Andrew Oliver,
both belonging to most respected and powerful families in the colonies.

Franklin could not believe these statements against his countrymen, and
asked for the proof. The member of Parliament brought to him a package
of letters addressed to public men on public affairs, written by
Lieutenant-Governor Hutchi