"He'll be the better prepared for his work in Philadelphia next fall." Two important letters had arrived that summer.

One from Benjamin Franklin to John Irons, offering Jack a chance to learn the printer's trade in his Philadelphia shop and board and lodging in his home.

"If the boy is disposed to make a wise improvement of his time," the great man had written, "I shall see that he has an opportunity to take a course at our Academy.

I am sure he would be a help and comfort to Mrs.Franklin.

She, I think, will love to mother him.