AN APPOINTMENT AND A CHALLENGE Solomon Binkus had left the city with Preston to visit Sir Jeffrey Amherst in his country seat, near London.

Sir Benjamin had taken Jack to dine with him at two of his clubs and after dining they had gone to see the great actor Robert Bensley as Malvolio and the Comedian Dodd as Sir Andrew Aguecheek.

The Britisher had been most polite, but had seemed studiously to avoid mention of the subject nearest the heart of the young man.

After that the latter was invited to a revel and a cock fight, but declined the honor and went to spend an evening with his friend, the philosopher.

For days Franklin had been shut in with gout.
Jack had found him in his room with one of his feet wrapped in bandages and resting on a chair.
"I am glad you came, my son," said the good Doctor.