4 How Strange

4 "HOW STRANGE..." "Benjamin Franklin," Annie whispered. "I can't believe it," said Jack. "I've seen him on posters at home," said Annie, "for a show at the Little Theater—Ben Franklin in Paris." "Right," said Jack. The gardener was making sense after all, he thought. Jack knew that Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, an inventor, a diplomat, a writer, and almost everything else you could think of. "Where's George Washington?" whispered Annie. "He must be in front," said Jack. He pointed to the white-haired man in the high- backed chair on the platform.

The general was much older than he was when they'd met him in 1776, but he still looked strong and powerful. "I wonder if he'll remember us," whispered Annie. "I hope he doesn't," said Jack. "He's a lot older and we're not. That would be hard to explain." "That man writing must be James Madison," said Annie. She pointed to the small thin man writing at the front table. George Washington banged his gavel again and rose from his chair. "We must stop now," he said. "Let us put aside our differences and enjoy a meal together." The delegates began rising from their chairs. Some were still grumbling and shaking their heads. George Washington walked over to Ben Franklin. Ben leaned on his walking stick as the two men spoke quietly.

"Let's go," said Annie. "Wait," said Jack. "We need to plan what to say to him!" But before he could stop her, Annie hurried across the room with Ben's food basket. Oh, man, thought Jack, following her. Ben caught sight of them. "Hello, children," he said with a friendly smile.

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George Washington looked startled when he saw Jack and Annie. "Have we met before?" he asked in his deep, calm voice. "Uh…actually…," Annie started, but then stopped. Jack shook his head. "I know!" said George Washington. "You remind me of two children I met during the war. How strange…" "Really?" said Annie. "Yes, they were remarkable!" said George Washington. "But that was eleven years ago —they would be grown by now. I've thought of them often." Jack glanced at Annie, trying to hide a smile. "What can we do for you, children?" Ben asked. "Sir, we brought your midday meal. It's from your daughter, Sarah," said Annie. She held out the basket of food.

"Oh, well, thank you," said Ben, chuckling. He set the basket down on the nearest table. "Celery and cabbage, no doubt. Sarah's always trying to keep me healthy." George Washington smiled. "Enjoy your meal, my friend," he said to Ben. "If you'd prefer steak pie and beer, join us at the tavern." With a nod to Jack and Annie, George Washington left them. "Tell me, how did you happen to deliver my meal today?" Ben asked Annie. His eyes were bright with curiosity. "I was expecting Louis." "Um, Louis was supposed to bring it," said Annie. "But he went swimming. So we told John we would do it." "How kind of you," said Ben. "And what are your names?" "Jack and Annie," said Jack. "Well, thank you very much, Jack and Annie," said Ben Franklin. "And good day to