extract from an english daily paper five years later.
"special mention should be made of the amazing exhibition of prowess on the part of lieutenant stephens in yesterday's military aeronautic manoeuvres on salisbury plain. his aeroplane, the combined creation of his father and himself, is of such perfect construction that it is likely to make their name famous, and the lieutenant's command of it left nothing to be desired. he executed feats of skill which have rarely been surpassed. england has just cause for pride in her present race of young men, prepared to face every danger in the service of their country, for it is an open secret that upon the efficiency of our air fleet, the future safety of our island home will very largely depend."
this paper, with others, was forwarded in due time to mrs. kenyon, who read aloud the paragraph just quoted to eva, now a blooming girl of seventeen. she flew round the table and snatched it from her mother's hands.
"let me read it for myself, mother. we shall all feel proud of him. he's playing our childish game of subduing giants to some purpose, isn't he? he's fairly earned his rights to his title of 'jack, the englishman.' i'm ever so glad. i'll run across to the farm and tell them about it."
clarissa laughed at the girl's enthusiasm.
"they are perfectly certain to have these papers as well as ourselves. isn't he their grandson?"
"and a grandson to be proud of! i wish he were mine, or a brother or something. oh mother! i wonder—shall we ever see him again?"
the end