room.

"I am growing old, and have to ask for like indulgence from every
hostess," he pleaded.

Howe was not willing to leave a stone unturned. He could not dismiss
the notion from his mind that the purchase could be effected if the bid
were raised. He drew the Doctor aside and said:

"We do not expect your assistance without proper consideration. I
shall insist upon generous and ample appointments for the men you take
with you and especially for you as well as a firm promise of
_subsequent rewards_."

What crown had he in mind for the white and venerable brow of the man
who stood before him? Beneath that brow was a new type of statesman,
born of the hardships and perils and high faith of a new world, and
then and there as these two faced each other--the soul of the past and
the soul of the future--a moment was come than which there had been no
greater in human history. In America, France and England the cocks had
been crowing and now the first light of the dawn of a new day fell upon
the figure of the man who in honor and understanding towered above his
fellows. Now, for a moment, on the character of this man the
unfathomable plan of God for future ages would seem to have been
resting.

In his sixty-eight years he had discovered, among other things, the
vanity of wealth and splendor. It was no more to him than the idle
wind. These are his exact words as he stood with a gentle smile on his
face: "If you wish to use me, give me the propositions and dismiss all
thought of rewards from your mind. They would destroy the influence
you propose to use."

Howe, a good man as men went those days, had got beyond his depth. His
philosophy comprehended no such mystery. What manner of man was this
son of a soap boiler who had smiled and shaken his white head and
spoken like a kindly father to the folly of a child when these offers
of wealth and honor and power had been made to him? Did he not
understand that it was really the King who had spoken?

The old gentleman climbed the great staircase and went to his chamber,
while Lord Howe was, no doubt, communicating the result of his
interview to his other guests. There were those among them who freely
predicted that war was inevitable.

In the morning at eight o'clock Franklin rode into town with Lord Howe.
They discussed the motion of the Prime Minister under the terms of
which the colonies were to pay money into the British Treasury until
parliament should dec