The American squadron and its prizes put into the Texal; Landais was at once removed from his command and sent home to France. In a short time Paul Jones, with Ethan and Longsword, sailed in the Alliance for that country also, the commander having shifted his crew and officers into that vessel.
The delight of Dr. Franklin at receiving the long lost dispatch was very great; and he thanked the three over and over again. The day following their arrival at Paris, he took Ethan aside.
“There are many important things which I desire to say to Congress,” said the philosopher, “and I want a trusty messenger to carry my report. Will you go?”
For some time Ethan had felt a longing for home and friends; and now that the paper was recovered he had nothing further to keep him in France. So he answered eagerly:
“I will.”
“Very well,” said Dr. Franklin in a pleased tone. “A French cruiser sails for Baltimore within a week.”
“If your report is ready I will cross in her,” said Ethan, promptly.
The minister’s dispatches were ready next day, and Ethan bid good-bye to Captain Jones and Richard Dale.
“We stay to fight the English,” said the former, as he clasped the lad’s hand, “and you will return to fight them, I know.”
“They are striking good blows at home,” said Dale, “and we upon this side must look to ourselves or we’ll be left far behind.”