“Would not that leave the colonies, sir, in the same position as England was under Charles I, where the king was free to rule as he pleased?”

“You have studied history,” Franklin said to the boy with a smile. “But not quite, I think, for the Parliament in London still keeps watch over the king.” He paused. “It is true that there are some, even friends of mine in the London Parliament, who fear that one day the American colonists will want to separate from the mother country, though I assured them that I had never heard such a sentiment expressed in America.”

“I should hope not,” said John Master.

But it was now that Mercy suddenly spoke.

“It would be a good thing if they did.” The words burst from her almost before she knew she was uttering them, and they were said with vehemence. The men all stared at her in astonishment. “I have seen enough of our English rulers,” she added, more quietly, but with no less feeling.

Ben Franklin looked surprised, but thoughtful. After a short pause, he continued.

“Well, I am of the contrary opinion,” he said. “Indeed, Mrs. Master, I should go further. I believe that in the future, America will be the central foundation of the British Empire. And I shall tell you why. We have the English language, English laws. Unlike the French, we have denied the rule of tyrant kings. And I have high hopes that the young Prince of Wales will be an excellent king when his turn comes. Our government is by no means perfect, but taken all in all, I thank the Lord for British freedoms.”

“I agree with every word,” said John.

“But consider this also,” Franklin went on. “The vast territories of America lie across an ocean; yet what is America if not the western frontier of our freedom-loving empire?” He gazed at them all. There was a light of enthusiasm in his eye. “Did you know, Master, that in America we marry earlier and produce twice as many healthy children as people do in Europe? The population of the American colonies is doubling every twenty years, yet there is enough land to settle for centuries. The farmlands of America will provide an ever-expanding market for British manufacture. Together, Britain and her American colonies may grow, regardless of other nations, for generations. I believe that is our destiny.”

This was Ben Franklin’s prescription. There could be no doubt that he passionately believed it.

“It is a noble vision,” said John.

“Indeed,” and now Franklin grinned, “there is only one thing needed to perfect our English-speaking empire.”

“What’s that?” asked John.

“Kick the French out of Canada and have the whole place to ourselves,” the great man said cheerfully.