“You speak proudly; but acknowledge that you can do better than thus to insult God by disposing of the life of your fellow being and yourself. Are you sure there is no resource left you but suicide?” “Yes. I have six Louis left.” “Better than that, Major Anspach; there is a treasure in your reach.” “Perhaps you mean wisdom?” “No, but something that leads to it.” “What then do you mean?” “Labor.” “Ah, you are a moral reformer.” “I am but an humble creature of God, major, whose consciousness of his fallibility has led him to pursue the useful conjoined to the good. But I have only discovered one resource that is alike beneficial to mind and body, to the one in this world, to the other in eternity.” “And this thing,” said M. Anspach thoughtfully, “is labor?” “Yes, sir, labor—man’s destiny since his creation.” “Man—well, _you_ are right, for being no longer a baron I am but a man. But what is your motive in this conversation? You have catechised me for an hour, as if I recognized your right to annoy me. Remember, sir, I do not even know your name.” “That is not true.” “Oh, the devil! take care; you shall not give me the lie twice.” “Well,” said the unknown, smiling, “I am going to commit the offence for the third time, in repeating that you cannot be ignorant of my name.” “Faith, sir, if you think your name of any importance, I do not prevent your telling it to me.” “It was my intention to have done so just now, when I offered you my hand and my services. My name is Franklin.” “Franklin! Ah, sir, what have I done! Can you ever pardon me? I throw myself at your feet.” Mr. Franklin raised the major, laughing till the tears came into his eyes, and telling him that it was not the great man he imagined, as that luminary had ceased to enlighten the world two years before, but for want of a better he, George Steward Zachariah Franklin, of the firm of Franklin & Son, of New York, was at his service, and ready to give proofs of his identity to his worthy friend M. Anspach. He further explained, that it was on the recommendation of Lafayette himself, that he had sought him out; the latter on leaving America having related the major’s situation and adventures to him, and commended him to his attention. He added that if the major would do him the honor to dine with him, he would have the pleasure of submitting some propositions to him worthy of consideration. Major Anspach, Baron of Phalsbourg, extended his hand to Mr. Franklin, and pledged himself to profit for the future by the lesson of wisdom so opportunely received. The banker pursued his advantage so well that three days later the major left for Canada, and three months afterward was superintending the labors of five hundred colonists, who, under his orders, cleared a forest of some eight square leagues.