The boy had studiously read the books which Doctor Franklin had sent to him--_Pilgrim's Progress_, _Plutarch's Lives_, and a number of the works of Daniel Defoe.

He had discussed them with his father and at the latter's suggestion had set down his impressions.

His father had assured him that it was well done, but had said to Mrs.Irons that it showed "a remarkable rightness of mind and temper and unexpected aptitude in the art of expression." It is likely that the boy wrote many letters which Miss Margaret never saw before his arguments were set down in the firm, gentle and winning tone which satisfied his spirit.

Having finished his letter, at last, he read it aloud to his father and mother one evening as they sat together, by the fireside, after the rest of the family had gone to bed.

Tears of pride came to the eyes of the man and woman when the long letter was finished.
"I love old England," it said, "because it is your home and because it was the home of my fathers.