al ignored the query.

"My powers are limited," said he, "but I am authorized to grant pardons
and in every way to exercise the King's paternal solicitude."

"Such an offer shows that your proud nation has no flattering opinion
of us," Franklin answered. "We, who are the injured parties, have not
the baseness to entertain it. You will forgive me for reminding you
that the King's paternal solicitude has been rather trying. It has
burned our defenseless towns in mid-winter; if has incited the savages
to massacre our farmers' in the back country; it has driven us to a
declaration of independence. Britain and America are now distinct
states. Peace can be considered only on that basis. You wish to
prevent our trade from passing into foreign channels. Let me remind
you, also, that the profit of no trade can ever be equal to the expense
of holding it with fleets and armies."

"On such a basis I am not empowered to treat with you," Howe answered.
"We shall immediately move against your army."

The conference ended. The ambassadors and their secretary shook hands
with the British Admiral.

"Mr. Irons, I have heard much of you," said the latter as he held
Jack's hand. "You are deeply attached to a young lady whom I admire
and whose father is my friend. I offer you a chance to leave this
troubled land and go to London and marry and lead a peaceable,
Christian life. You may keep your principles, if you wish, as I have
no use for them. You will find sympathizers in England."

"Lord Howe, your kindness touches me," the young man answered. "What
you propose is a great temptation. It is like Calypso's offer of
immortal happiness to Ulysses. I love England. I love peace, and more
than either, I love the young lady, but I couldn't go and keep my
principles."

"Why not, sir?"

"Because we are all of a mind with our Mr. Patrick Henry. We put
Liberty above happiness and even above life. So I must stay and help
fight her battles, and when I say it I am grinding my own heart under
my heel. Don't think harshly of me. I can not help it. The feeling
is bred in my bones."

His Lordship smiled politely and bowed as the three men withdrew.

Franklin took the hand of the young man and pressed it silently as they
were leaving the small house in which Howe had established himself.

Jack, who had been taking notes of the fruitless talk of these great
men, was sorely disappointed. He could see no prospect now of peace.