"'That is a theme, Jack, on which you and I must be silent,' Franklin answered. 'We must hold our mouths as with a bridle.'
"For a moment he sat looking sadly into the glowing coals on the grate. Franklin loved to talk, but no one could better keep his own counsel.
"'At heart I am no revolutionist,' he said presently. 'I believe in purifying--not in breaking down. I would to God that I could have convinced the British of their error. Mainly I am with the prophet who says:
"'"Stand in the old ways. View the ancient paths. Consider them well and be not among those who are given to change."'
"I sat for a moment thinking of the cruelties I had witnessed, and asking myself if it had been really worth while. Franklin interrupted my thoughts.
"'I wish we could discover a plan which would induce and compel nations to settle their differences without cutting each other's throats. When will human wisdom be sufficient to see the advantage of this?'
"He told me the thrilling details of his success in France; how he had won the kingdom for an ally and secured loans and the help of a fleet and army then on the sea.
"'And you will not be surprised to learn that the British have been sounding me to see if we would be base enough to abandon our ally,' he laughed.
"In a moment he added:
"'Come, it is late and you must write a letter to the heart of England before you lie down to rest.'