By: Larrysgirl, Marmadas, Mickys411 and Petey Rated PG

Micky, Mike, Peter and Davy slowly walked along the halls of the American History Museum in LA. It was a rainy day, and with nothing else to do, they decided to visit the museum. Coming up to a large room, Mike read the sign.
"Special exhibit," He read, "For one week only, the American Revolution."
"Personal and rare artifacts from our founding fathers." Micky continued, and then yawned. "How exciting."
"Might as well have a look. Better than being at the pad hiding from Babbit." Davy said.
So the Monkees went inside the room. The rain began to pick up and they could hear the lightning and thunder from where they were. The exhibits consisted of clothes, books and papers from Jefferson, Madison, Washington and of course Ben Franklin. As they looked around, Peter noticed a strange object in the corner. He walked over to it, unnoticed by the other three.
Peter stared at metal structure. It looked like a grandfather clock surrounded by large brass hula-hoops. He reached out to touch one of the hoops.
"Peter, don't touch that!" Micky exclaimed as he and the other two walked over to him. "We're not allowed to touch any of the exhibits!"
"I just wanted to see what it was." Peter said sheepishly.
Davy pointed to a sign just below the clock.
"This is Ben Franklin's time clock." He said, "Franklin was always experimenting and it seems he even tried his hand in time travel."
"Wow, imagine if he had succeeded." Mike marveled, "The world would be a different place."
"It sure would." Another voice said behind them.
The Monkees jumped in shock. "Ahh!"
The turned to see one of the guards standing behind them.
"I'm sorry I scared you," The middle-aged man said, "But scientists and researchers have been trying for many years to get it to work, or figure out what Franklin had in mind when he made this machine."
"Didn't he leave any notes?" Mike asked.
The guard shook his head. "Not a one. He never mentioned it in any of his journals or letters. In fact, nobody knew there was anything special about the clock until someone had opened the clock up and saw more than just the usual gears and springs.
"Perhaps it's just an ordinary clock and he added those hoops on for fun." Peter said.
The others just shook their heads. Outside, thunder and lightning crashed.
"Well, I gotta do my rounds." The guard said, "Just remember, don't touch the exhibits."
"We won't." Davy promised.
The guard walked away and Micky, Mike and Davy started to walk away too, but Peter remained rooted in place.
"C'mon, Peter." Mike said, "There's more stuff to see."
But Peter kept looking at the clock. The others joined him once again.
"What is it, Peter?" Micky asked.
"It's such a beautiful object." Peter whispered, "Too bad it doesn't work."
Suddenly, there was a crash of thunder and lightning and the lights went out in the museum.
"Hey, who turned on the dark?" Davy asked.
The lights slowly began to come on. A bolt of lightning then hit the museum and arced through the wiring, a spark hitting Franklin's time machine. The clock began to chime.
"Wow, it's working!" Micky exclaimed, pointing.
The clock continued to chime and hum and the rings began to glow as well.
"Something's happening to the clock!" Mike exclaimed.
Impulsively, Peter reached for one of the rings...
"NO Peter!" The others yelled, reaching for him, but they were too late. Peter touched a ring, just as the others touched him and they all felt a shock and a bright light.
It felt like they were falling and suddenly, the Monkees found themselves on the ground.
"Whoa, what happened?" Mike asked, slowly getting up.
The others got up too...and looked around in shock. They were no longer in the museum. They were standing on a street corner. A horse and carriage passed them by, the occupants giving them a strange look.
"Where are we?" Peter whispered. "Why were those people in that carriage wearing such old clothes?"
Other people wearing old-type clothes passed them by in the street, giving them odd looks too.
"We better move away from here." Davy said.
They went down the block a bit and noticed a large building in front of them. Peter tapped his band mates on the shoulder.
"I recognize that building!" He said, "It's Independence Hall!"
"Independence Hall?" Micky echoed. "But that's in...Philadelphia!"
"Where Ben Franklin lived." Mike said slowly, looking around. "I think Mr. Franklin's time machine works quite well, don't you fellas think?"

"Not only time machine," Davy pointed out, "But it also transported us through space. It's a teletimeport machine!"
"Humph..." Micky seemed a bit put out, "funny how he could get a time machine and teleporter both to work in one machine way back from the 1700s, but I can't even invent a machine to clean our pad."
"So," Peter changed the subject back to their surroundings, using his best college professor voice, "according to the dress and transportation methods, the way the streets are paved, the buildings and such, I would say we've been transported to colonial America, around the time of the Revolution."
"That's when we gave you this little Island!" Davy said in his most proper English accent, "my favorite fight."
"Well, what are we supposed to do?" Micky asked.
"We have no means of getting back as of right now," Mike reasoned authoritatively, "so I suggest we find us some proper clothes and enjoy it while it lasts!"
"I just hope we get back by tonight," Davy said, "Lorelei and I have tickets to the Herman's Hermits concert and I don't want to miss that."
"Oh, who cares about a silly concert when we're in the middle of eighteenth century Philadelphia?” Peter glowed. History being his favorite subject he was ecstatic. "I agree with Mike, though. First thing we've got to get out of these 1960s clothes before we become the laughing stock of the town!"
"There's a clothes shop over there," Micky pointed down the street, "Perhaps we can find something to fit us."

The Monkees entered the clothes shop and soon put together some classic colonial outfits. When they went up to pay for them, however, the clerk looked at their money suspiciously.
"What do you take me for?" He asked gruffly, "coming in here trying to pay with fake money!"
"Fake money?" Micky was taken aback, "Sir, this is official US legal tender!"
"Yeah," the clerk insisted, "and this isn't Yewess, or wherever you're from, so take your legal tender and get out of my shop."
Outside, the Monkees assessed the situation. "We're gonna have to find a way to get money, or clothes, or something. I guess 1960's money isn't around yet." Mike said, and the others chuckled at the fact that they hadn't thought of that before.
"Think anyone around here has heard of busking?" Peter asked, pulling a harmonica out of his pocket.
"Worth a shot," Mike replied. The guys reached a street corner and Peter began to play, Mike laid his wool hat on the cobblestones in front of Peter. Passersby were amazed by the sound. A few chipped pennies into Mike's hat.
An hour or so later, Peter took a quick break to check what his playing had earned. "Fourteen pennies..." he mumbled. “It’ll take forever to make enough money for anything."
"Pennies are worth a lot more now than they are in the 60's, Pete," Micky reminded him.
"We don't have to be high class, anyway.... we could never afford that at any time... we'll find a cheap clothing store, once we've earned a little more, and see what we can manage," Davy encouraged.
"Want to rest for a bit, Pete?" Mike offered. "I'll play if you want."
Peter sleepily handed his harmonica to Mike, who began to play some old country tunes. He was in the middle of a rendition of "Home on the Range" when he saw a cop coming down the street.
"Guys," he rested the harmonica. "I don't know if they have laws against this here... but just in case, we'd better split!"
It was too late, for then the guys saw a boy about ten approach them.
The boy looked at the harmonica and the wool hat full of coins.  He then shouted to the policeman who was walking upwards.
"Officer Abe, these men are pan handling!" shouted the boy.
The policeman then began to run down the street.
"Let's split!" The Monkees shouted together.
And with that, they took off.
"Which way did they go, Toby?" The police officer asked the boy.
"That way officer Abe," said Toby, pointing down the road.
"Thanks son."
"Man, I can't believe that kid squealed on us," said Davy.
"Never mind, we gotta find a place to hide," said Mike.
"Where though?" asked Peter.
"In there," said Micky, pointing to an open door.
The guys rushed to the door, went through it, and slammed it shut.
Behind the door, the Monkees breathed a sigh of relief.
Just then, the guys heard something that sounded like woman giggling.
They turned to see that there were several young women in the room.
"Where are we?" Peter asked.
"I think this must be a washing room, where the clothes were clean," Mike answered.
"You know, I don't mind hiding out here for awhile," said Davy.
"Hey Romeo, this isn't the time or place," said Micky.
"Oh, hello, ladies." Mike said, removing his wool hat, "Fine day today."
"Yes it is, sir." One of the ladies said, looking at his clothes. "Where be ye gentlemen from?"
"I'm from Tex...” Mike started to say before Peter stepped on his foot.
"My name is Peter and I'm from Connecticut." Peter said quickly, "These are my friends, Micky, Mike and Davy."
"I'm from Manchester England." Davy said with a dimpled smile, but surprisingly the girls in the room frowned.
"You are a royalist, then?" Another girl asked.
"No, we are patriots." Peter put in quickly. "We were traveling here to Philadelphia when we were ambushed by thieves who took our clothes."
"Ah, so that explains the strange garb." Another woman replied, whose name was Faith.
"Yeah, we had to grab whatever we can to wear." Micky added, "And to survive we had to panhandle."
"Now we were being chased by a police officer when we saw this open door." Mike finished.
"Aye, panhandling is not permitted in this city." The first girl said, "Good thing you were not caught, the penalty is ten lashes."
The Monkees gulped at that. Crime was handled much more severely in this time, it seemed.
"Yes, that's English justice for you." The second girl said with contempt. "Good thing now we're getting away from that tyranny."
"Hush, Charity," Faith said quietly, "We do not know these gentlemen."
"Don't worry, we won't tell anyone." Davy said with a smile, "We believe in speaking our minds as well."
Suddenly, there was a pounding at the door. "Open up in the name of the law!" A man shouted.
"It's that policeman!" Peter said nervously.
"Quick, hide in here!" Hope said.
The Monkees dived into a pile of dirty laundry and covered themselves with it. The girl named Charity opened the door.
"Hello, officer Abe and Toby." Charity said, "How may I help you?"
"Hello, miss Charity." Officer Abe said, removing his hat, "Did you see four strangely-clothed men run past this way?"
"They were panhandling and playing strange music." Toby put in.
"No, nobody like that has been by here." Charity replied, and then looked at the young boy, "Helping out the police again, little brother?"
"They could be royalist spies, Charity!" Toby said indignantly.
"Keep your voice down, lad." Officer Abe told the boy, "There could be real spies around here."
"I do not think spies would wear strange clothes to attract attention to themselves." Charity said with a smile. "But we will let you know if we see something suspicious."
"Very well, miss." Officer Abe replied, "Sorry to take you from your duties."
"No bother, Officer Abe." Charity smiled, then looked at her brother, "And Toby, be on time for dinner tonight."
Toby nodded reluctantly. "I will."
With a nod, Officer Abe and Toby left and Charity shut the door. She walked over to the pile of laundry where the Monkees were hiding.
"You can come out now, they are gone." She said.
The Monkees quickly climbed out from underneath the laundry pile.
"Whew, why couldn't we have hidden in the clean laundry?" Mike asked, holding his nose.
"Thank you for hiding us." Micky said to Charity and the other girls in the room.
"You are welcome." Charity replied, "Officer Abe and my brother are good people, and like us, have no love for the British crown."
"Well, we better leave before we do get you ladies in trouble." Peter said.
"You cannot go out like that." Faith said, "We have a few spare clothes that you could wear. The owner of this house will not miss them."
"Thank you very much." Mike said.
Faith led them over to a pile of discarded clothing. The guys quickly found clothes in their sizes and went into another room to change. Peter took the opportunity to talk to his band mates.
"Listen, we are in a completely different time and place from what we're used to." He said, "We have to remember that a lot of what we know didn't exist yet, like the money we tried to use earlier," Peter shot a look at Mike, "Or the state of Texas."
"Yeah thanks, Peter." Mike said sheepishly.
"Also, like I said before, we're in the time of the American Revolution." Peter continued, "England right now is the enemy, so Davy, be careful what you say or do or you could land yourself and us in big trouble."
"I will, Peter." Davy said solemnly. "Thanks for the warning."
Soon they were dressed in mid-eighteenth century clothes; knee-length breeches, long-sleeve shirts and coats and tri-corn hats. They weren't fancy, but at least now, nobody would stare at them on the street. After they were done, they came back into the laundry room. The girls, especially Hope and Charity, looked at them with approval.
"You now look like gentlemen." Charity said.
"What do we do now?" Davy asked.
"What were you going to do in the city?" Faith asked.
The Monkees looked at each other for several seconds. What were they going to say?
"We were hoping to talk to Mr. Benjamin Franklin." Mike said finally, "We're amateur scientists ourselves and we would like to meet a distinguished scientist like Mr. Franklin himself."
"Yes, he is quite a man." Charity said, "And you've come to the right place. This is the basement of Mr. Franklin's home, but unfortunately, he isn't here right now."
"The way things are right now, it isn't good for Mr. Franklin to be seen in public." Faith added.
The Monkees nodded in understanding, still they hoped they could see Mr. Franklin so they could find his teletimeport machine and get back home.
"Thank you ladies very much for your help." Micky said as he and the others went to the door. "We'll go to the front door and see what happens."
"Good luck to you gentlemen." Faith said.
But before the Monkees could leave, there was another knock on the door, but this time in a pattern.
"Oh no." Mike whispered.
Charity knocked back a few times, and then opened the door. A few cloaked figures quickly left the carriage outside and went inside and past the Monkees.
"I wonder what that's all about?" Davy asked.
"Did you see who that was?" Mike asked, "That looked like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin."

The Monkees looked at each other in awe at the thought of having such famous people walk right past them! Micky turned to Faith and Hope.
"Was that...really?" He asked.
"They are just ordinary gentlemen." Hope said, turning away to go back to the laundry.
"Perhaps it is best you be on your way now." Faith said gently.
The guys understood that the girls couldn't really tell them who those men were. They had probably seen too much as it is.
"We will be going now, ladies." Davy said, "Thank you for helping us."
"There is a tavern down the street if you need lodging." Hope smiled, "Please take care."
"We will, and thank you once again." Mike said as he opened the door.
With a bow of thanks, the Monkees left the laundry room and went back onto the street.
"Well, at least we have proper clothes." Peter remarked. "That's a start."
"And we know where Ben Franklin is." Micky said, "We have to see him so we can get back to our own time."
"But how can we?" Mike asked, "He's no doubt a wanted man by the British so he won't let any strangers see him."
"If we could at least get into his house again." Micky mused as they walked along the street.
Suddenly, a carriage filled with furniture went past them and stopped at the front of Franklin's mansion. Several men got out and began to unload the furniture and take it inside the house.
"I'm getting an idea..." Mike whispered to his friends.

Inside Ben Franklin's mansion, a secret meeting was being held. Sitting around an oak table were Gen George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Ethan Allen, Robert Morris, James Madison and many others. They were planning the next step in their fight against the British, but in this early stage, things weren't going well at all.
"We seem to be getting enough recruits right now." Gen Washington, a tall man wearing an army uniform was saying, "But we do not have the means to equip them."
"Feeding them has not been easy either." Madison added. "The British have taken over the warehouses and keeping the food for themselves."
"Can we not buy food from sympathetic citizens?" Allen asked.
"They will not accept the script we give them, because the British pay them in gold, and they charge a lot of money for what they do give us." Came Washington's reply.
"We simply need more money." Morris said, "But our fledgling government lacks the means to raise taxes, and private investors are becoming less willing to lend us more money."
Jefferson looked over at Benjamin Franklin. "Do you have any ideas, sir, on what we can do?"
"I have been searching my brain for answers, Mr. Jefferson," Franklin replied, "But right now, I can only say we must hope for a miracle."

Outside, the Monkees approached the men taking furniture into Franklin's mansion.
"Excuse us, sir." Micky asked, "Do you need help?"
"Aye, we can use a few more strong backs." A man answered, "We'll give you a few pennies to help us carry this stuff in."
The Monkees quickly agreed and lifted up a cedar chest to take inside. It was heavy and they had to be careful not to drop it.
"This house sure need a lot of furniture." Peter said to a man as he carried the chest into the house with his friends.
"This furniture has just been repaired and varnished and we're returning it to the house." Another man said, "So we must be careful. Take it into that room."
The Monkees obeyed, but then, Davy's hand slipped and he let go of his end of the chest. The others couldn't hold on and ended up dropping the chest. It landed with a bang.
"I told you four to be careful!" The headman shouted, then stopped when he heard a groan. Mike opened the chest and found a man inside, holding his head.
"What is this?" He asked, "What are you doing in that chest?" He pulled the man out of the chest and onto his feet.
Suddenly, the man pulled out a pistol and aimed it at the man and the Monkees.
"Stay back! You ruined my plans." He yelled at the Monkees. With that, he turned and ran out of the house.
"What plans?" Davy asked.
"He must've been planning on hiding in this house to spy for his British masters." The headman spat. "You four are heroes."
"It was nothing." Mike replied.
Just then, Ben Franklin came into the room.
"What was all the commotion?" He asked.
"These gentlemen stopped a spy from hiding in your house, Mr. Franklin." The head guy said, and quickly explained what had happened.
"I am very grateful to you gentlemen for your service." Franklin said.
"We're glad to help, Sir." Peter replied, still a little in awe of the man. "We needed to talk to you anyway."
"Well, I'm in an important meeting right now, so perhaps if you waited in the parlor, I can talk to you later."
"We'd be glad to, Mr. Franklin." Mike said.
"Good, I'll tell the maid to bring you some refreshments." Franklin replied and walked away.
The guys were happy to finally talk to Ben Franklin, and hoped he could help them get back to the 1960's, but little did they know they would be helping the great man out even more...

The Monkees sat in the parlor and waited for Mr. Franklin to finish his meeting. After a bit, a maid came out with small sandwiches and a pot of coffee.
"Um, ma'am," Davy asked politely, "Could I possibly get some tea with mine?"
The woman was taken aback, then said quickly, "We don't buy tea since a few years back because of the high taxes. Did you not hear of the Boston tea party, sir?"
"Oh, right. Coffee's fine, I guess." Davy accepted his glass, but didn't drink it, since he really didn't like coffee.
About a half hour later, the Monkees heard footsteps of a few men coming down the hall, then descending the stairs to the basement, where they heard them exit through the laundry room. Momentarily, Ben Franklin entered the room.
"I would like to commend you fellows on the work you accomplished saving my house from a British spy. Our whole plan could have been discovered if not for you! Now, what is it you wanted to see me about?"
Mike shifted back and forth, feeling kind of awkward about the subject, so Micky stepped in, "We were wondering if you'd invented your time machine thing yet."
Mr. Franklin started with surprise. He soon composed himself and replied, "How did you know I'm working on a time machine. I've told no one about this, nor written anything that someone might find. In fact, it looks merely like a fancied up clock. Now tell me how you know about it."
"Well sir..." Mike began, but Peter butted in.
"We're from the future." If the first statement had startled Ben Franklin, this upright shocked him.
"The f-future?" he questioned. "But that's nearly impossible. I've been having my doubts about it and was just going to give up on my time machine. Time travel is virtually impossible! You must be lying."
"But we're not!" Davy insisted, pulling his wallet from his pocket. "Here look, my driver's license has my birthday, December 30, 1945, this money has a date on it, too: 1964. And look: this one has General Washington's face on it. If I had $100 it would have your face on it! You must believe us!"
Ben took the money and looked at Washington's picture. "By George..." he stammered, then looked at Davy's license. "But how did you get here?" he asked.
"Through your time machine!" Peter said, enthusiastically.
"But that's impossible. The reason time travel is completely unable to happen is that you could never get enough energy worked up to transport you through time and space. It would take hundreds of thousands of watts of electricity, which is impossible to create. How did you accomplish it?"
Mike gave a quick narrative of their visit to the museum and all that happened with the time machine. Franklin listened, absolutely amazed that his inventions would be in a museum, and that they would actually work hundreds of years later.
"...So," Mike ended, "can you get us back?"
"Possibly." Franklin replied, "As far as I know, the time machine is in complete working order, except for the energy needed to start it up. From what I can tell, you will have to wait here until a great storm in order to get a lightning bolt to start it up. Further, there is no way of setting it to go to a certain time or place, so you'll just have to trust Providence to get you where you want to go. It's extremely risky, but it just might work."
"Great!" Micky enthused, "but there's just one problem."
"What's that?" asked Ben.
"If we're to stay here for a while, we don't have anywhere to stay, or money to buy a hotel room."
"Problem solved." Benjamin replied, "You will stay in my house. It's big enough, just be sure to stay out of the way when I'm conducting important business meetings, agreed?"
"Agreed!" echoed the four Monkees.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Franklin. Is there any way we can help you?" Mike asked.
Franklin shook his head. "No, boys, I doubt you could help me with my problems."
"We want to make sure we become a free country." Peter said.
"Well..." Franklin sighed, "The biggest problem is money. General Washington cannot pay our troops, and haven't paid them in months. They are threatening to desert and many of them have done so."
"We know what its like not to have money." Davy said as the other three Monkees nodded in approval.
"We've shown that Gen. Washington will be on the face of our money some day, so there must be a solution." Micky said.
"True, but the British have an Empire behind them and can get money from England." Franklin said. "They can even afford to hire Hessian troops from Germany to fight for them."
"That's not good." Mike remarked, shaking his head.
"Can you borrow some money?" Micky asked.
"Yes, but we don't have much collateral. Plus, our credit is stretching very thin." Franklin said, "Many merchants refuse to give us credit when the British pay in gold."
"You're also considered rebels and they are afraid to help or they'll be in trouble too." Peter commented.
"Exactly, young man." Franklin smiled, "You've summed it up quite well." The clock on the wall softly chimed. "I must be off again." He said, glancing at the time, "I have other meetings to attend to. Like I said, please stay out of the way so you are not caught up in our troubles. The British have tortured or hanged many friends of mine."
"We're already somewhat involved now." Davy said quietly.
Ben Franklin smiled and got up out of his seat, and the Monkees followed suit.
"Please make yourselves at home." Franklin said, "I have a large library that you may look at."
"Thank you sir." Peter replied with a bow.
The other Monkees bowed too and ended up butting heads.
Franklin chuckled and left the room.
"What do we do now?" Micky asked.
"Nothing else to do, we can't go out, so let's check out the library." Mike said.
The Monkees went into the library and began to peruse the hundreds of volumes on the shelves.
"Wow, I wonder if he's read all these." Davy wondered.
"Probably did." Peter replied, "He was a very well read man."
Mike randomly pulled a volume off the shelf and read the title.
"The Geology of South-Eastern Pennsylvania." He flipped through the pages, which showed maps of the area and even charts of soil composition. Mike was about to put the book back when he noticed some markings in red ink around the area of Valley Forge.
"What's this all about?" He wondered out loud.
"What Mike?" Peter asked.
"This map has a circle marking the mountains nearby." Mike said, holding it up, "It must mean something is there."
"But what?" Davy mused.
Mike flipped through the book further. It contained more charts showing the area and they were marked in red ink too.
"It's a geology book showing what's in the ground." Micky said, "What's in the ground?"
"Dirt." Peter said. "Or maybe minerals, bones, coal."
"Let's ask Mr. Franklin when he gets back tonight." Mike said.

Several hours later, Ben Franklin came home from his secret meetings. He was tired, but patiently listened to the Monkees and what they had found. Franklin took the book from Mike and looked at the charts.
"This is an old map of potential gold mines." Franklin said quietly, "Many of the mines have been tapped out though."
"Maybe not all of them." Peter said quickly, "Maybe we could use the gold from those mines to finance the revolution."
Franklin sighed, "I suppose it is worth a look." He said, "General Washington is coming back tomorrow before he joins his troops at Valley Forge. Perhaps if he agrees, you can look for this mine."

The Monkees were later shown to their bedrooms and because of the eventful day, they were soon fast asleep. Franklin, however, stayed up for awhile longer, pondering the maps the guys had shown him and hoping this would be the miracle the colonies needed.

The next morning, the Monkees and Mr. Franklin ate a simple meal of bread, jam and coffee. They made small talk, but the Monkees were careful not to reveal too much of the future to their host. Anything they did, even the smallest thing, could alter history.
A servant came over and whispered into Franklin's ear. He put his napkin down.
"We have an honored guest." Franklin smiled as he stood up.
Into the room strode none other than Gen. George Washington! The Monkees quickly stood up in respect for such a famous historic figure. Washington, wearing civilian clothes, came over and bowed to Franklin.
"Good morning to you sir." He said to Franklin.
"And to you as well, General." Franklin replied with a bow as well. "May I introduce my guests Mr. Michael Nesmith, Mr. Micky Dolenz, Mr. Peter Tork and Mr. David Jones."
Washington bowed to them. "I am honored to meet you." Gen Washington said solemnly. "I received word that you foiled a plot by the British to plant a spy in Mr. Franklin's house."
"It was nothing, sir." Davy stammered.
The general looked curiously at him. "What part of England are you from, sir?" He asked.
"Manchester, northern England." Davy replied, "Though I'm from Britain, I am loyal to the revolution."
Washington chuckled, "No need to worry about that, sir." He said, "You and your friends have proved what side you are on, but there may be those who will view your accent with suspicion."
"I understand." Davy replied, but couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"Will you join us for breakfast, General?" Franklin asked.
"No, I'm afraid not. I cannot stay in one place for long."
"Then let me show you want these young gentlemen have brought to my attention." Franklin replied, showing the General to another room.
In that room Franklin showed Washington the books with the maps of old gold mines, and which ones seemed to hold the most promise. The general was intrigued and agreed to take the Monkees with him so they could help look for those mines.
"We can go with you?" Micky asked.
"Yes, but we must leave now." Washington replied, "I took a chance on coming here in daylight."
So the Monkees said their goodbyes to their host.
"Thanks for taking us in, Mr. Franklin." Mike said quietly, not wanting the General to overhear.
"You are more than welcome, Mr. Nesmith." Franklin replied, "In the meantime I will get my time machine ready as possible so you can go back to your own time."
"Thank you, sir." Peter said.
"Thank you for helping out this great land of ours." Franklin replied.
The guys then followed Washington down the steps, through the laundry room (where they said a quick goodbye to Faith and Hope) and into the waiting carriage.

Little did they know, however, that their exit wasn't quite a secret. Standing in the shadow of a doorway, Officer Abe watched as the men got inside their carriage and speed away. Walking quickly, he went inside a tavern and into a back room. There he met with the man whom the Monkees had stopped from hiding in Franklin's house.
"Yes, those men have left with Washington." Abe snarled. "You had an excellent chance to find out their plans and you blew it, Arnold."
"Washington is no doubt going back to his rebel troops." Arnold replied, "I will send word to have them watched to see what they do."

The carriage carrying General Washington, a colonial soldier and the Monkees bounced along the cobblestone roads of the city.
"Man, I wish someone invents shock absorbers soon." Micky groused.
"I beg your pardon?" Washington asked.
"Err, perhaps someday Mr. Franklin could invent something to absorb the bouncing of the carriages." Micky smiled.
Washington nodded and went back to his notes. The others gave Micky a look that warned him not to say too much about the future.
After awhile, the horse and carriage came to a halt underneath a grove of trees. Waiting there a few soldiers and another horse and carriage that looked exactly like the one they had traveled in, down to the color of the horses.
"Time to change carriages, gentlemen." Washington said, "There are spies everywhere and we must take precautions to fool them."
So the men climbed into the new carriage and continued their journey. The carriage they were originally in took a different road that would lead anybody following their trail in the wrong direction.
Around noon, they stopped at a sympathetic tavern and had lunch. Washington ate little; he was busy meeting with his own spies and scouts as to what the British were doing.
After lunch, the trip resumed. The Monkees were getting sore from all the bouncing around, but said nothing to the General. Finally, after yet another carriage change, they arrived at an empty strand of trees.
"Here we are, Gentlemen." Washington said, then climbed out of the carriage.
"Here?" Mike asked, "There's nothing or nobody here."
But when the men had climbed out of the carriage, several men, some wearing colonial uniforms, others buckskins, came out from behind the trees and shrubs. They pointed their guns at the Monkees right away.
"Put your weapons down." Washington ordered, "These men are my guests."
The soldiers obeyed and an officer came over to his superior and saluted.
"It is good to see you again, General." The officer said, "How was your trip?"
"It was productive, Colonel Von Stueben." Washington replied, "I've made the continental congress aware of the problems we are facing and these gentlemen," He indicated the Monkees, "with the blessing of Mr. Franklin, are going to try out an idea which might help our money problem."
Colonel Von Stueben looked dubiously at the Monkees, but did not question his superior.
"We've had to move camp several times since you left, General." Von Stueben said as he and Washington walked over to some horses, the Monkees following behind, "But the British haven't discovered us yet."
"Winter is coming soon, there will be little fighting since they will want to stay in their warm barracks." Washington replied. They mounted the horses waiting for them and Von Stueben looked at the Monkees.
"I am sorry, Gentlemen, but like everything else, horses are in short supply as well. But the camp is not far."
"We'll manage, Colonel." Davy replied. Walking was preferable to the Monkees after all that bouncing around in the carriage.
So, as the carriage turned around and went back, the group went into the forest and over to Washington's secret camp.
Little did anyone know a troop of British soldiers were coming into the area as well...

The Monkees, George Washington, and Colonel Von Stuben headed to Washington's secret camp.
It took a bit of a walk, but after awhile, they made it.
It was a cabin, located at the center of the woods.
The exterior was logs and wood, while the inside consist of a desk, candle stick holders, several cots, an ice box, and a pot-bellied stove.
"Golly, will you look at this place?" said Micky.
"Yeah, it's set up the way it was at the museum," said Mike.
"You know, this place makes the pad look like a castle," Davy whispered.
"I don't know, it looks kind of cozy to me," said Peter.
"Well Washington, if were going to be here for awhile, we better stock up on provisions," said Von Stueben.
"I agree, but we can't go back into town and leave the camp unprotected," said Washington.
"Maybe we can help," said Mike.
"Wonderful, two of you can go into town for us, while the other two can help with the fishing and hunting."
It was decided that Mike and Micky would stay to hunt and fish, while Peter and Davy go back into town for other supplies.
George Washington let them use his carriage.

When Peter and Davy arrived back into town, they went to the local general store and began to purchase some items.
"Do you think we have enough stuff?" Peter asked as he and Davy loaded the candles, lanterns, blankets, bandages and other items into the carriage.
"I believe we do," said Davy, giving his band mate a hand.
Little did the two know, there was someone watching them.
"So that little one is British," said a voice. It was Officer Abe. "I'll get him."
Officer Abe crept up behind Davy, while he was helping Peter, and grabbed him.
Davy’s mouth was muffled as Officer Abe dragged him away.
"Well, Davy, let's get back to the camp." Peter said, half in and half out of the carriage, "I wish we could get more stuff but everything was so expensive."
He climbed out of the carriage and saw that Davy was no longer standing behind him.
"Davy?" Peter asked. "Where did you go?" He began to look around the carriage, but didn't find Davy.
Peter walked around to the side of the store, and found Officer Abe and some British soldiers waiting for him-and they were holding Davy prisoner!
"Well, well, looks like we caught ourselves another rebel." Officer Abe sneered, "Get him!" He ordered his men.
"Run, Peter!" Davy shouted.
Peter turned on his heel and ran, the British soldiers right behind him.
"Stop in the name of His Majesty!" The soldiers shouted, but Peter ran even faster, dodging around people walking up and down the dirt street. The soldiers simply pushed through the people, not caring if they knocked anybody down or not.
Peter came to an intersection and stopped, trying to find a place to hide. A woman's voice called out from behind a half-open door.
"Over here, sir!"
Peter wasted no time in barging through the door. The owner of the voice, a young brunette woman in her thirties, slammed and barred the door shut.
"Come this way." She ordered, and led him to a back room. Once there, she opened a trap door and told Peter to climb down inside and not make a sound. Peter obeyed her without question. The woman shut the trapdoor and Peter found himself inside a small root cellar. It dawned on Peter that if the lady was really for the British, he would be trapped with no way to get out. About a minute later, there was pounding on the house's front door. The lady who had called Peter inside opened the door.
"What do you men want?" She demanded, "I'm a busy lady with much sewing to be done!"
"Sorry to bother you, Mistress Ross," One of the soldiers said, "But we are after a man who was buying supplies for the rebel army."
"Nobody has been in this house for several hours." Mistress Ross lied, "I'm just a simple woman trying to make a living sewing clothes."
"Aye, and you make fine clothes, but we must search your house, as he was last seen in this area." Another soldier said as he and the others pushed into the house and looked around. They quickly searched the house, but didn't find the trapdoor, which had been covered over with a rug. Beneath the floor, Peter's heart was beating so hard he was surprised the soldiers didn't hear it.
Finally, the soldiers realized there was nothing to be found, and without a word, left Mistress Ross's house. She quickly opened the trapdoor and let Peter out. He quickly jumped out and bowed to her.
"Thank you so much, Ma'am." He said, "My friend has been captured by the soldiers and I thought I would be next."
"You are most welcome, sir." Mistress Ross replied, "I do what I can to help General Washington, and I am sorry for your friend."
"Thank you Ma'am." Peter replied, then looked curiously at her. "I heard the soldier call you Mistress Ross. Are you by any chance Betsy Ross?"
"It is best if names are not used much in these times, sir." Mistress Ross smiled, "But I think you may be right."
Then, after making sure the coast was clear, Peter left her house and went into the woods. He had to tell the others what had happened. As he walked, tears fell from his eyes. He knew Davy was in a lot of trouble, and even Gen Washington may not be able to save him.

The soldiers came back to Officer Abe, who was still standing with Davy and a few other soldiers next to the general store.
"No luck, sir. He's vanished." A soldier said.
"More likely hidden by a rebel sympathizer." Officer Abe snapped, then looked at Davy. "At least we got you, young fool. It is bad enough these American-born subjects are rebelling against their lawful king but to have someone from the mother country herself rebel..." He shook his head and turned to his soldiers.
"Let's go back to the barracks where I can question this young rebel more easily." He smiled.
"What about the carriage?" A soldier asked.
"Oh, we'll take this lovely carriage full of supplies, originally destined for Gen. Washington, I’ll wager, and use them for ourselves." He laughed, "I mean, they're already paid for."
The soldiers laughed at this and got ready to leave. A few soldiers and Officer Abe climbed into the carriage while the other soldiers got on their horses. Davy's hands were tied in front of him with a long rope and the free end tied to the back of the carriage. Thus, he was forced to walk behind the carriage as the British soldiers made their way back to their barracks.

Mike and Micky were very worried about Peter and Davy, as they had been gone a long time. Even Gen. Washington expressed his concern that they had been captured by the British. Trying to keep their minds off the situation, they looked at the map where the gold mines might be. They didn't seem to be too far away. Suddenly, their worst fears were confirmed when Peter staggered into the camp, without the carriage and without Davy. Peter collapsed into Mike and Micky's arms.
"Davy...Davy is..." Peter breathed.
"What happened to him?" Micky asked.
"Captured." Peter gasped, "Officer Abe and his soldiers grabbed him and I barely escaped."
Mike gave Peter a cup of water.
"Officer Abe?" He asked, "That was the same guy who chased us in Philadelphia."
"He thought we might be British spies, but he's one instead." Micky said angrily. He looked up at the Washington and Von Stueben.
"Can you help us rescue him?" He pleaded.
"I'll do what I can, Mr. Dolenz, but the British outnumber us and are better equipped."
Peter began to cry again, and Micky and Mike couldn't help but join him.

Davy walked behind the carriage, thankful that they weren't traveling very fast. As they passed by people's houses, some people snickered at him, but others turned away sympathetically. They passed by Benjamin Franklin's house and Davy saw Faith, Hope, and Charity looking out from a downstairs window, shocked expressions on their faces. Embarrassed, Davy turned his head away, and continued on.
The walk was long and boring, but soon Davy realized he could hear what the soldiers were talking about. He decided to listen in, perhaps he'd learn something useful.
"...and General Wilhelm told me that his men had reason to believe that the rebel army is headquartered north of the city. We've sent some men up there to check it out, but they haven't reported back yet. Further, some suspicious activity has aroused suspicion around Mr. Benjamin Franklin's establishment. We might want to examine his house or question Mr. Franklin himself. Maybe post guards across the street to keep a wary eye open to see anything peculiar..."
Davy was shocked to hear that. “North of the city!” he thought, “they've got that right! I have to warn them, and Mr. Franklin...but how?”
The carriage stopped and Davy realized that they were in what looked like a small town, but was actually the British army Barracks. One of the soldiers untied Davy's hands and threw him into a jail cell. He curled up in a corner, tired from the walk, and went to sleep.
A while later, he was woken up by a familiar female voice and looked toward the window to find Charity looking in on him. "Mr. Jones," she said when he'd awoken, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"
"You shouldn't be here!" Davy whispered, going over to her, "There are soldiers everywhere."
"Don't worry, my sisters are distracting them. When we saw you taken away we knew we had to help! Is there anything we can do?"
"Umm..." Davy thought, then decided to tell the location of General Washington's camp. He quickly and quietly described how to get there, then added, "Make sure you aren't followed. Let them know where I am, and that the British soldiers are wise to their location. Also alert Mr. Franklin that the British suspect that his house is a meeting location. But BE CAREFUL! We don't want the British to follow you and definitely figure out the location."
"Don't worry, Mr. Jones..." Charity started.
"Davy," Davy interrupted, "My name is Davy."
Charity blushed, "Don't worry, Davy. My sisters and I will take a picnic into the country north of the city for dinner. The countryside there is so beautiful this time of year." She smiled.
"Okay, you'd better go before someone sees you. Don't forget to be extra careful."
"I won't, Davy," Charity said, and was gone. Davy slumped back down into his cell and waited to be rescued.

Back at Washington's camp, the Monkees, Von Stueben and Washington sat around, pondering how they were going to save Davy.
"Maybe we sneak back into town to the soldier’s hideout, saying we're delivering food like a..." said Peter who was interrupted by an elbow jab in the ribs by Mike.
"They had no delivery service back in this time," Mike whispered to Peter.
"There must be someway to save Mr. Jones," said Von Stuben.
"If we can just come up with a plan," said Washington.
Just then, a thought popped into Micky's head.
He then walked up to the book shelf, located next to the cots, and began to scan through the books.
"Micky, what are you looking for?" Mike asked.
"There may be a copy here," Micky said, still searching.
After awhile of wondering the shelf, he spotted something.
"I had a feeling there was a copy here," said Micky.
He grabbed the book, and took it back to the desk.
"What do we have there?" asked Washington.
"That's a book of Greek myths.” Said Von Stueben.
"What does this have to do with Davy?" asked Peter.
"I think I know how we could get in the camp," said Micky.

Meanwhile, as Charity and her sisters prepared their 'picnic' in the country, Davy was taken from his cell and marched over to Officer Abe's office. As he walked along, Davy looked around at the building. They were a lot nicer than what General Washington had for his own troops. He then reviewed what he would say to Officer Abe. Davy hoped he would be brave enough to not reveal what he knew to the British.
Davy was taken inside another wooden building and into an office furnished with a desk, a few chairs, a bookshelf on the side wall there was another small table with a decanter of wine and glasses. Standing next to that table and pouring a drink for himself was Officer Abe. He glanced over at Davy as he came in but said nothing.
Davy was forced to sit in a chair in front of the desk and his hands were tied to the back of the chair. The soldiers stepped back as their commander came in front of Davy and leaned against his desk.
Officer Abe took a drink of wine and smiled down at his prisoner.
"After all these years, the colonies are finally learning to produce a decent wine." He said, "My name is Major Abraham Johnson, in charge of this regiment. What is your name?"
"David Jones."
"And where were you born, Mr. David Jones?" The officer asked.
"Manchester." Davy replied truthfully.
"Yes, your accent does match the northern part of Great Britain." The major replied, "Tell me, how long have you lived in the colonies?"
"A few years." Davy said.
"When did you decide to rebel against your king and country?" Major Johnson asked angrily.
"I'm not." Davy replied, "My friend and I were just buying supplies for our country home."
The major chuckled. He put down his wine glass-and then smacked Davy hard across the face.
"Don't even think of lying to one of His Majesty's greatest spies!" He growled, "I saw you and your three friends entering a carriage with that rebel leader, George Washington!"
Davy swallowed. That meant the Major suspected Mr. Franklin of being with the rebels too, as they had entered the carriage at his house.
"I heard you call your friend 'Peter'.” Major Abe continued, "What are the names of your other two friends?"
Davy stayed silent. There was no way he would betray his friends. He braced himself for the smack which came a few moments later.
"I asked you a question young rebel." Major Abe said.
"I won't help you in any way." Davy replied defiantly.
"I could let you get off easy for helping the rebels, Mr. Jones." Major Abe said smoothly, "I could just chalk it up to a youthful indiscretion. But I've been given the power from Gen Wilhelm to do as I please to you rebels, and that includes hanging!"
Davy stayed silent, even though he was trembling inside. Major Abe stood over Davy and glared down at him.
"Where were you and your friend really taking those supplies? To that rebel Washington, right?"
"No we were not." Davy said, his voice starting to shake.
"Where is Washington's secret camp?" Major Abe went on. "I know it's nearby here. Tell me and I'll let you off easy."
"I don't know of any secret camp!" Davy shouted, "It's the truth!"
"Is that your final answer?" Major Abe asked, "Think hard, young man, before I am forced to be less pleasant to you."
Davy's mind raced. He could tell the Major what he wanted to know and save his life, but he couldn't let his friends and especially General Washington be captured! History would be changed forever as the American Revolution would probably end in defeat for the colonies. America wouldn't become the great power of the twentieth century in order to defeat the Germans and the Japanese!
"Yes, that is my final answer." Davy said, "And so is this!"
Davy kicked the Major in the shin. The British officer howled in pain and began to hop around his office.
"Take him out of here!" Major Abe shouted to his soldiers, "and give him twenty lashes!"
Davy was taken outside to the yard where he was stripped to the waist and his hands tied above his head to a tall post. Then a soldier slowly gave Davy twenty lashes while another soldier counted them off. Davy cried in pain as the soldiers who had gathered to watch laughed. When the punishment was over, Major Abe walked over to him, still limping slightly.
"Feel like talking now, rebel boy?" He asked.
"Not now, not ever." Davy whispered.
"I have other ways to change your mind, Mr. Jones." Major Abe said, smiling evilly. He then ordered the soldiers to untie Davy and take him back to his cell. Then he went back to his office to nurse his bruised shin.

Meanwhile, Faith, Hope and Charity walked as quickly as they could into the countryside. In order to make it seem like a picnic, they were carrying a small basket filled with food. Making sure they were not followed, they walked towards Washington's camp. After awhile, they were confronted by a few of Washington's troops.
"What do you ladies want?" One of them asked.
"We need to see the General." Faith said, "We have vital information for him."
I'm sure you do, Ma'am." Another soldier snickered, "Now let's see what's in your basket."
"We'll give you this food if you let us pass." Hope said, opening the basket to show the food.
The soldiers were hungry, but had to be careful that the ladies weren't spies.
"Well, we can't let just anyone go through..." Another officer said.
Suddenly, Micky, Mike and Peter came running toward them.
"It's ok, fellas, we know them." Mike said, "Let them pass."
The soldiers let them go through. Hope gave each a small loaf of bread, and then walked to the three Monkees.
"Hello, gentlemen." Faith said, "We must see the General!"
"Right this way, ladies." Micky said, "Any word of Davy?"
"I managed to sneak over to the British barracks and see him." Charity replied, "He is well, but the soldiers will be asking him questions."
"Officer Abe is really working for the British." Peter said.
"He is?" Faith asked, shocked. "I thought he looked familiar as he took Davy past Mr. Franklin's house on the way to the barracks."
The group entered Washington's office. Von Stuben was with him. They quickly got up and bowed to the ladies.
"How may we be of service to you ladies?" Washington said.
"We came to tell you that I spoke to Davy and he is well for now." Charity said, "He's being held in the Barracks just outside of Philadelphia. He told me to tell you that the British are wise to where you are and that they suspect Mr. Franklin's house is being used as a meeting location."
"That is not good." Washington shook his head.
"I've already told Mr. Franklin about his house being under suspicion and he told me to tell you and your officers not to come there anymore." Faith added.
"Thank you, ladies." Washington said politely, "I will give orders to move camp immediately."
"What about Davy?" Charity asked.
"We are working on a plan Mr. Dolenz thought up." Von Stueben said with a smile. "I think it just may work."
With that, he began to tell of the plan to free Davy. The ladies agreed to help.

Outside Washington's camp, Mike, Peter and Micky were working on their plan to save Davy. They drew out some plans and made some choices.
The guys decided that instead of a horse, they were going to make a giant wooden ship. It was decided that they will build something big enough for themselves, as well as Washington and Von Stueben to fit in.
"Are you sure this is gonna work?" Mike asked Micky.
"Sure, it worked in the story," Micky answered.
"I hope we'll be able to save Davy before something really bad happens," said Peter.
"Don't worry Peter, I'm sure Davy's ok where ever he is," said Mike.
"We better get started on this boat," said Micky.
With the help of a few soldiers, Micky, Mike and Peter began working on their version of the Trojan horse. Faith, Hope and Charity helped out where they could too. The problem was, nobody had ever built a boat before and it looked like a big wooden box on wheels before long. Everyone stopped to see what they had built.
"Man, the British will know something's wrong when they see this contraption." Mike said, shaking his head.
"What can we do?" Peter asked.
General Washington and Von Stueben walked over to them.
"I must say that this is an odd-looking boat." Washington said, looking it over.
"We know, sir." Micky replied, "But we're trying to make enough space for us to fit inside."
Von Stueben smiled at the three Monkees. "Perhaps you three do not have to be inside at all."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"First modify your...boat...to make it look like a wagon, and I'll tell you." Von Stueben replied.
So the three Monkees got busy taking off some of the boards off their boat until it reasonably looked like an open wagon. Then Von Stueben told them of his idea.

It was becoming dusk when the soldiers at the British barracks saw a wagon coming down the trail towards the gate. It was brightly decorated with flowers and inside were three young men. Unknown to the soldiers, it was really the three Monkees in disguise. The carriage, driven by Micky, came to a halt in front of the gate.
"Greetings, my friends!" Micky shouted to the guards, "We are the singing Monkees! We've come to entertain you with our wonderful songs!"
"Who sent you?" One of the soldiers demanded.
"No one," Peter said brightly, getting off the carriage and putting a flower in the soldier's hat. "We are a traveling troupe."
Just then, Major Abe walked through the gate.
"What is this?" He demanded.
"Traveling troupe, sir." A soldier replied, "They want to perform for us."
"Ah, let them in." Major Abe ordered, "I could use some time off from dealing with that rebel prisoner."
So the gate was opened and Micky drove the wagon into the courtyard. A soldier pointed out to Micky where he should park, while the Major went back over to his office. Sitting slumped in a chair was Davy, his feet tied as well as his hands this time. Major Abe pulled Davy's head up by his hair.
"You're very stubborn for someone so young, Jones." He said, then released Davy’s head and put away the riding crop he had used to beat his prisoner, "Perhaps a night in the stocks will take care of that."
"I doubt it." Davy said, his lip split.
The soldiers untied Davy and took him outside to the courtyard once again. As they did this, Davy's friends were getting out of the wagon and saw what was going on.
"Hey, that's Davy!" Peter said in shock.
"Keep you voice down." Mike whispered, "We're not supposed to know anybody here."
"Oh man, what did they do to him?" Micky asked in anguish.
They watched as Davy was set down on a small stool and his neck, wrists and ankles were placed inside heavy wooden stocks. To their shock and anger the soldiers mocked Davy and hit him. It was all the three men could do not to run over to protect their friend, but they had to wait for dark before the rescue could be put into action. Finally the soldiers left Davy alone.
"What are you three doing?" A voice demanded behind them.
"We...were wondering about the prisoner, sir." Mike said to the soldier.
"Bah, just another rebel scum." The soldier said with a wave of his hand, "But the Major thinks that one has information he needs. Now get inside."
Reluctantly, the three men grabbed their guitars and drum and followed the soldier inside.

Night came a little while later. Fortunately there was only a quarter moon to light the night. It was then that the secret compartments inside the wagon slowly opened up and out came Von Stueben, Charity, and a few other soldiers. Without a sound, they quickly stretched their cramped limbs and went into the shadow of a building.
"You all know what to do." Von Stueben replied and the others nodded.
Charity went to the cells, while the others went to sneak up on the wall guards. Quickly, Charity went over to the cells, counting on the Monkees to keep everyone occupied. She could hear their music as she walked past the barracks.
“That music certainly sounds strange.” Charity thought to herself.
Inside the mess hall, Micky, Mike and Peter did their best to keep the British soldiers and officers entertained. It was hard for them to concentrate on their music while Davy suffered outside, but they did their best. After they finished the song ‘She’, Mike spoke to the soldiers.
“If you will excuse us, sirs, we’d like to take a short break.” He said.
“Make sure that it is.” A soldier told them.
The three Monkees put down their instruments and walked outside.
When Charity got to the cells, they were unguarded. But as she looked around, she couldn't find Davy!
"Where is he?" She thought to herself as she went back outside. The music had stopped. As she walked along, she bumped into three dark figures.
"Oh, my apologies..." She stammered.
"Charity is that you?" Micky asked.
"Yes, what are you three doing out here?"
"Taking a break, hoping to find you." Mike said, "Davy's not in his cell, he's in the stocks."
"Let's get him, then." Charity replied, "Von Stueben and his men will be almost ready."
The four quickly walked over to Davy's stocks. He had his head down.
"Davy?" Micky asked, "Please wake up, it's us."
"Micky?" Davy groaned. "Get me out of this."
Mike and Peter quickly undid the latches and lifted Davy out of his terrible confinement. It was obvious Davy was too weak to walk or even stand, so Mike carried him over to the wagon.

Inside, Major Abe and his men were drinking and were wondering where the Monkees had gone.
"I want to hear more music." The Major demanded, his voice a little slurred.
The others agreed and some went out to look for the three men. They found them putting Davy into the wagon.
"Hey, someone's taking the prisoner!" A soldier shouted.
The Monkees and Charity quickly climbed the wagon and Micky snapped the reins to get the horses moving. Davy was laid flat on the bottom of the wagon and Mike, Peter and Charity covered him with their bodies.
"Sound the alarm!" The cry went out, and seconds later a bell began to ring.
The wagon headed for the gate, but it was still closed! Suddenly, the gate was pulled open by Von Stueben and his men. They had tied up the guards and had been waiting for the wagon to come over. The wagon charged out of the open gate and out of the barracks-and then Gen. Washington and his troops rushed through the gate and into the barracks!
The British were taken completely by surprise. Before the soldiers could get their weapons, Washington had taken over the barracks. Within minutes, the British had surrendered. It was a great victory, with hardly a shot fired! An indignant Major Abe was escorted over to Washington.
"Well, Major I believe your service to his majesty is at an end for now." Washington said.
"You won't get away with this, rebel." Major Abe shouted, "Britain shall always be victorious!"
Washington merely smiled and motioned for his soldiers to take him away. Major Abe would spend the rest of the Revolutionary war in a P.O.W. camp.
When all the supplies in the barracks were loaded up, it was decided that since they could not hope to hold the barracks, it was best to burn it down so it could not be used again.
Back at camp, Washington went to see Davy, who was being treated for his injuries by the medic. His three band mates and Charity were with him
"How are you, Mr. Jones?" He asked.
"Better now, sir." Davy replied, "Thanks to all of you."
Davy’s three friends gave him a gentle group hug.

The Monkees sat down with General Washington to discuss how to go about looking for the goldmine when a knock sounded at the front door. When the General bid them enter, two of Washington's soldiers came in with a courier.
"I have a note from Mr. Franklin to Mr. Dolenz, Tork, Nesmith, and Jones."
"Thank you, sir." Mike grabbed the envelope held out to him and broke the wax seal on the back. Inside, written in a perfectly straight, curly hand was Mr. Franklin's note. Mike read it aloud:
"Dear sirs,
I have been studying the weather lately and it is apparent that an intense storm is scheduled to arrive Thursday evening. I suggest you arrive back here, for the reasons you well know.
Yours respectfully,
Benjamin Franklin."
"Why do you need to return for a storm?" Gen Washington questioned.
"Uh," Micky made up a reason, "Mr. Franklin had some very important experiments to conduct, and he needs the four of us to help him." It wasn't really a lie, Franklin was conducting an experiment of sorts with the teletimeport machine and the lightning, and he did need the Monkees there.
"Well then," thankfully Washington didn't ask for details, "we'd better find that treasure quickly. Today is Tuesday so that only gives us a couple days. Luckily the mines are not far off, so it shouldn't take to long to get there."

While Davy took a nap, Micky, Mike and Peter began to make preparations for their trip to the mines. Since they now had extra horses from the British, Gen. Washington let them take four horses so they could get to their destination faster.
However, the three men planned on using the fourth horse to carry their supplies. They decided between themselves to leave Davy behind so he could recover from the injuries he suffered while a prisoner. As they were about to saddle up though, Davy suddenly appeared in front of their horses.
"Where do you three think you're going, and without me?" He demanded, arms crossed in front of him.
"Davy, you're not strong enough yet." Mike said gently. "Stay behind and rest."
"Yeah, you deserve a break after what you went through." Micky added, "You kept the British from finding the general's camp."
"You were very brave, Davy." Peter put in, "You've done your part."
"I'll have done my part when we find this gold mine to finance the revolution." Davy replied, "My experience as a British prisoner really brought home the fact that General Washington has to win. I can't imagine America being run by jerks like Major Abe."
Mike looked over at Micky and Peter. "I suppose we could tie him up and leave him in our quarters."
"Please let me come, fellas." Davy begged, "I'll be alright."
Reluctantly, the other three Monkees agreed and soon Davy was on the horse meant for the supplies, which were now distributed between the four of them.
As they rode over to the edge of the camp, Washington and Von Steuben came over to them.
"We wish you four the best of luck." Washington said, "But be careful. British troops are still around."
"I thought they were all taken prisoner." Peter said.
"That was just one small regiment." Von Stueben replied, "By now, reinforcements will have arrived and they will be searching for us."
"By the way, General," Davy said, "Where is Charity? I never got to really thank her for her part in rescuing me."
"I had her sent back to Mr. Franklin's house along with her sisters where they will be safe." Washington replied. "I will send along your thanks when I write next to Mr. Franklin."
"Thank you, sir." Davy smile.
"We'll see you later, sirs." Mike said.
"Goodbye, gentlemen." Washington replied.
The guys nudged their horses and slowly made their way out of camp.

As they went along, Mike looked at the map to see where the closet mine would be.
"We should be coming to one very soon." He told the others.
"Hey fellas." Davy said to his friends.
"Yeah, Davy?" Micky asked as he led his horse over a tree branch.
"I fell asleep last night and there were too many people around today in order to say this, but thanks for coming after me." Davy said sincerely.
"We'll put it on your tab." Micky cracked.
Everyone laughed at that, then Mike put a hand on Davy's shoulder. "Like Peter said, you're a brave soul for what you did, withstanding torture to keep us and the General safe. We'll all very glad you're our friend."
Davy looked down at his saddle horn so that the others wouldn't see the tears forming in his eyes.

A while later, the ground around them became hilly and they eventually had to dismount and walk their horses. Mike finally stopped and pointed to a hole in a hillside. It was about six feet in diameter.
"Well, this is mine number one." Mike said.
"Doesn't look like much." Micky remarked.
"Let's see if it has any gold left in it." Davy said. He walked over to the hole and slowly walked inside. The others lit torches to light the way and followed Davy inside.

"I'll never look at a flashlight the same way again," Micky said as he and his friends guarded their torches from the drafts of the cave, hoping they wouldn't go out.
"I hear you," Mike agreed, "Let's be extra careful, we don't want to be stuck in this cave in complete darkness. We'd never find the gold that way!"
The cave seemed spacious enough, and for a while they followed what looked like railroad tracks heading into the cave.
"What's up with the tracks?" Peter was confused, "No way could a train have fit in here."
"They're not train tracks," Davy answered, "These tracks are for the mine carts, so they could bring out the gold they found deep inside without having to carry it."
"Then shouldn't we try to get away from the tracks, into a less-mined area?" Mike asked.
"We could," Davy agreed, "But it would be more dangerous, despite the fact that we'd have greater chances of finding the gold."
They decided to take a path leading away from the main tracks, and Micky pulled a piece of charcoal out of his pocket, making a mark on the wall. "What's that for?" asked Davy.
"To make sure we can find our way back," Micky answered, putting the charcoal back in his pocket. They walked further along the caves, eyes always open for anything glittering in the walls, and soon came to a triple fork. The path split off into three in front of them.
"Which way should we go?" Peter asked.
"I'll pick a finger," Mike replied. "Micky, yours means left, Davy's middle, and Peter's right." The three Monkees each pointed their index finger, and mixed up their hands while Mike closed his eyes. Reaching out, Mike blindly picked one of the fingers. "I won!" Micky cried, and it echoed down all three paths, I won....won...on...n... "Left path it is!"

The Monkees began to walk down the path.
"Man, it sure is dark down here," said Micky.
"I hope these torches hold up for awhile," said Davy.
Just then, Peter sneezed, blowing out one of the torches.
"I think you spoke too soon," said Mike.
"Sorry fellas, but it's a bit chilly," said Peter.
"That's ok Peter, there's some wool blankets in one of bags."
The guys stopped for a moment, so Mike could fix the burned out torch, while Peter grabbed a wool wrap.
"Ya warmer now Peter?" Davy asked.
"I am now," Peter answered.
"I hope we're going to right way to the gold," said Micky.
Slowly, the guys walked down the tunnel. It was narrow in some places and wide in others. The whole time it seemed to slope downward and the Monkees could only hope it led to more gold-they didn't have much time to explore the other caves in the area.
Suddenly, as they rounded a corner, they were met with a rock wall. It was a dead end.
"Great, we'll have to go back." Davy complained.
"Good, I'm cold." Peter shivered.
So they made their way back to where the cave split into three parts.
"Let's try the middle one now." Micky said.
"Want to split up and two of us try the last two tunnels?" Mike asked the others.
"No, I'd like us to stay together." Davy said quietly, "We split up before and look what happened."
"It wasn't your fault, Davy." Peter said quietly.
"It's ok, I'd rather the four of us stay together as well." Micky told his band mates. "If we find any gold we'll find it as a group."
Everyone nodded their heads and went down the middle tunnel, with Micky marking the walls every so often. The tunnel sloped down just like the other and often went from narrow to wide and back in width. Finally, the tunnel led them to a huge cavern with stalactites and stalagmites all around them.
"Is it stalactites that form from the ceiling?" Davy wondered.
"No, I think its stalagmites." Mike replied.
"It's stalactites." Micky said.
"Stalagmites." Mike countered.
"Stalactites!" Micky argued back.
"This isn't helping us find any gold." Peter reminded them gently. "We can look it up when or if we ever get back to the pad."
That thought quieted them down and they looked around for any glittering coming from the walls. Just then, Mike's torch went out. He tried to re-light it with Peter's torch but it wouldn't ignite again.
"We're running out of time." Mike said, "We have to find something soon, or we'll have to go back to the horses to get more torches."
They looked around the cave, but found nothing shiny. The tunnel they had gone through ended at the cave, so they had to return back to where they started.
"Well, one more to go." Davy said, "Let's hope for the best."
The guys went down the third tunnel. This one was like the rest, but it had caved in in places, so they had to climb over some debris at times.
Finally, their torches lit up a gold crack in one of the walls!
"Yeah, here's the gold!" Micky shouted.
"Keep it down, Micky." Mike admonished, "This tunnel doesn't look too sturdy."
"It doesn't look like much at all." Peter said, shaking his head. "There wouldn't be enough here to finance a picnic let alone the revolution."
"Let's follow it and see where it leads." Davy said.
No one else had a better idea, so they decided to follow Davy's suggestion. The Monkees followed the gold line for a while until it stopped.
"Well, that's it. The big gold mine." Mike said sadly.
"It's hardly worth the effort to dig it out." Micky said, "That's why it was left here."
"Let's dig it out anyway." Peter said, "Every little bit will help."
"Yeah, it might buy a few guns or ammo." Davy added.
So they got their pickaxes out and began to chip at the gold. Though Davy tried not to show it, his back still hurt from the lashing as he worked with his friends. However, Mike saw the pained looked on Davy's face and told him to hold the torches so they could see what they were doing. Davy agreed and the work continued.
As they worked, they suddenly broke through the wall and it collapsed, burying them up to their knees in dirt! But it wasn't just dirt that fell on them-there were uncut gems, crystals and other precious stones mixed into the dirt as well!
"Look at this!" Davy shouted, "We hit the jackpot! It looks like garnets, rubies, amethysts, and emeralds along with more gold!"
"This whole area must be rich in gems." Peter said, "Whoever was here before us was only looking for gold and didn't search for anything else."
"Their loss, but America's gain!" Micky smiled. "This stuff can still be used to finance the revolution."
"If the whole area down here is like that, you may be right." Mike replied, a big grin on his face.
Suddenly, another torch went out. That left only two torches left and it was getter darker.
"Let's get what we can right now, and head out." Mike said, "Then we can tell General Washington and he can send men down here to dig."
The others agreed and filled their sacks with as many gems as they could find. Then they went back up the tunnel and soon were almost to the entrance of the cave...when they heard voices outside.
"What are these horses doing here?" A man with a British accent said.
"Might be the hiding place of some rebels." Another voice answered.
"British troops!" Mike whispered, "They found our horses!"
"Let's hide!" Davy said, extinguishing the torches.
Nobody needed to be told twice. They quickly ducked into a side passage as a couple of British soldiers, carrying torches and guns, walked past. The Monkees could hear other soldiers milling around outside, but had no idea how many there were.
"All we can do is wait until they leave." Peter whispered.
"And hope they leave soon." Micky whispered back, "We gotta be back at Mr. Franklin's house in two days otherwise it could be weeks before another storm."
The guys huddled in a corner, hoping they wouldn't be discovered-or it would be the hangman's noose for them. After awhile, it grew quiet. Hoping the British were gone, they started back outside.

The Monkees were walking out of the cave with their treasures, when they heard something.
"What's that?" said Davy.
"I'm not sure," said Mike.
"I think it sounds like someone crying," said Peter.
"We better go check it out," said Micky.
The guys went up the cave, that's when they found Toby, sitting on a boulder, crying.
"Hey Toby, what are doing here?" Davy asked.
"I was playing with my marbles and my shooter fell in the cave, so I went to get it back, then I got lost," Toby cried.
"Well, we have a way out of here," said Peter.
"You can come with us," said Micky.
Toby cheered up instantly.
"Thank you guys, you're not so bad after all," he said.
"Come on you guys, let's get out of here," said Mike.
With the marks Micky wrote on the sides of the cave, the guys and Toby were able to find their way out. As they exit the cave, they saw a bright light ahead.
Toby turned to the guys and said, "Suckers."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"It means, you rebels are under arrest." A soldier said as he and his comrades surrounded the group.
"Toby, how could you?" Micky asked. "Didn't your sisters tell you who we were?"
"I didn't have a choice." Toby said, almost ready to cry, "Officer Abe's contacts in the city found out he was captured and threatened to hurt Faith, Hope and Charity unless I helped them hunt down rebels." He began to cry.
"Good work, lad." An officer said, walking over, "These four have been causing us trouble these last few days."
"I did what you wanted, Major Tom." Toby said, "Now you promised to leave my sisters alone."
"We'll leave them alone for now, boy." Major Tom said, "But we'll no doubt need your help again."
"But..."
"Go on home, boy." Major Tom said, giving him a shove, "I know where to find you."
Toby looked over at the Monkees, who mouthed, 'go' to him. He quickly ran off. Major Tom looked at his prisoners.
"So, rebels, what brings you so far into the countryside? And what's in those sacks?"
None of the Monkees answered him. The soldiers took the sacks from the four and opened them up for their commanding officer.
"It looks like jewels and gold, sir." One of the soldiers said in awe. "Must be a mine down there."
"No doubt that treasure would find its way into rebel hands." Major Tom replied, "Well, now that treasure will benefit His Majesty's troops instead."
"That's all there was down there." Davy said, "There's nothing else to find."
"I'll be the judge of that, rebel." Major Tom sneered, then turned to his men. "Prepare them for hanging."
"If you hang us, you'll never find out where the treasure is in the mine." Mike said quickly.
"But if I send one of you down there to lead my men to the treasure, you might develop amnesia and lead my men on a merry chase through the tunnels while the others try to escape." Major Tom replied, "No, I think it best to hang you four now and send explorers down later."
So the guys were taken over to a large tree and four nooses were thrown over a thick branch hanging high above the ground. Their hands were bound behind them and the nooses placed around their necks, while the free ends were tied to four horses.
"Any last words?" Major Tom asked.
"I regret I only have one life to give for my country." Peter said.
The other three Monkees said the same thing. The Major rolled his eyes and motioned for his men to start walking the horses.
The horses began to pull on the ropes around the Monkees' necks. Within a few seconds, the ropes were taut and they began to pull the guys off the ground by their necks.
But just as they were a few inches off the ground, the sounds of horses’ hooves were heard. The Major and his men looked to see General Washington and his troops charging into the area! The rebel troops fired their guns and several bullets hit the ropes holding the Monkees and they fell to the ground.
"Stay down!" Washington shouted to the Monkees as he and his men charged past.
The Monkees didn't need to be told twice. They kept flat on the ground. There was a quick battle between Washington's men and the British troops. Taken by surprise, Major Tom and his men surrendered.
When all the British had been disarmed, Washington came over to the Monkees. A few rebel soldiers were untying their hands.
"Are you gentlemen injured?" He asked.
"No sir, thanks to you." Davy replied.
"No, thank young Toby here." Washington said, as Toby walked over to them. "We were out on patrol and he came and told us what had happened."
"I'm sorry, sirs." Toby said, hanging his head. "I've been a big bother to you."
"It's alright, Toby." Peter said, patting his shoulder, "You had to protect your sisters."
"But won't they still be in danger?" Davy asked.
"No, Major Abe only had a few contacts and they've been captured too." Toby said.
"Did you have any luck in the mine?" Washington asked.
"Yes we did!" Micky exclaimed. He brought over the sacks with the gold and jewels inside and showed them to the General.
Washington was very impressed. "There is more down there?" He asked.
"Yes, a whole bunch." Mike said, "We'll give directions so your men can find their way down there."
"What about Major Tom and the soldiers?" Micky asked. "They know about the treasure."
"But they won't be able to tell anyone from prison." Washington smiled. "The British won't find this mine. Now let's get back to camp. You four must go back to Mr. Franklin's house soon.
So while his troops took the British prisoners away, Washington, the Monkees and Toby went back to camp. That night, Washington and Von Stueben had a small farewell dinner for the Monkees.
"I wish you gentlemen could stay." Washington said sadly, "I need brave men like you."
"We could make you gentlemen officers." Von Stueben added with a smile.
Though the guys were honored by the invitation, they had to get back to Philadelphia and Mr. Franklin's house.
"Thank you sirs for the invitations, we're flattered, but we must go back to see Mr. Franklin and then go back to Connecticut." Peter replied.
"Let's have a toast, then." Washington replied, standing up. The others joined him. "To the success of this revolution, that we will be free from tyranny and oppression."
"To Success." Everyone replied, clinking glasses.

After the dinner, General Washington asked the guys to rise. Von Stueben came over with a small box which the General opened. Inside were four small brass medals attached to ribbons. There was an rough imprint of an eagle on each one.
"I am sorry I could not do better for you gentlemen, but I had the blacksmith create these medals for you." Washington said with a smile. Then he went down the line and pinned each medal onto the lapel of each of the Monkees' coats.
"For duty above and beyond the service of these free colonies, I award you gentlemen the Medal Of Honor."
The Monkees were very proud to receive such an honor.
"Thank you very much, General." Micky said.

When it was very late and dark outside, the Monkees were smuggled back into Philadelphia. They took a carriage at first, then had to walk when they got into the city, keeping to the shadows to avoid British troops.
Finally, they arrived at the laundry room entrance of Mr. Franklin's house. Mike quickly gave the secret knock he had been told to use and the door opened instantly. Quickly going inside, the guys were met by a very relieved Ben Franklin, Faith, Hope, Charity and Toby, who closed the door. Hugs and handshakes were quickly exchanged.
"It is good to see you again, my friends." Franklin said, shaking their hands. The ladies and young Toby tell me you gentlemen had quite an adventure."
"But a successful one." Davy added, "General Washington should get enough treasure from the mine we found to finance the revolution for a long time."
"But let us hope it will end soon, though." Franklin replied, "And these colonies will be in charge of their own destiny."
"We definitely think that could happen." Peter said with a knowing smile to his band mates.
"I'll show you to your rooms, then." Franklin said, "So that you will be rested for your trip home tomorrow."
So they guys were shown to their rooms and they spent what they hoped would be their last night in the eighteenth century.

The next morning, after a peaceful night's sleep, the Monkees were eating breakfast in Franklin's dining room. There was a light rain falling outside, occasionally hitting against the window. A slightly wet Ben Franklin joined them at the table.
"Good morning to you gentlemen." He said.
"Good morning, Mr. Franklin." The guys replied.
"You four will be pleased to know that from my observations, this rain should intensify into a major storm by this afternoon." Mr. Franklin said, spreading jam onto a muffin.
"That's wonderful, sir." Davy replied, "We're grateful that you're going through all this for us."
"Think nothing of it, Davy." Franklin said, "This is a great moment for me as well. I finally know that my time machine works, and that lightning can be used as a power source." He thought for a moment as he chewed his muffin. "But what to call that source?"
The Monkees knew what it was, but couldn't tell their host. They had to keep things on track as much as possible.
"I know!" Mr. Franklin exclaimed, "I'll call it 'electricity'!"
"Sounds like a nice name." Mike commented.
"Yes, I think it is too." Mr. Franklin replied, "After you four have gone back to your own time, I will continue with these experiments."
"Mister Franklin?" Peter asked.
"Yes, Peter?" Ben Franklin replied.
"When you write in your journals and letters, please don't mention our names." Peter said.
"A lot of your papers will be preserved in museums and we think it will be best that whatever we've done isn't mentioned." Micky added.
Franklin reluctantly nodded. "I can understand your reasoning, even though I don't agree with it." He said, "I will keep what you gentlemen have done a secret, along with any mention of the time machine."
"It's a wonderful machine." Mike said, wiping his mouth, "But even in the twentieth century mankind isn't ready for such a device."
"Oh yes, that's why I never wrote anything down about it in the first place." Franklin agreed, "If this machine fell into the wrong hands..." He shook his head, "Well, once you gentlemen are done, we'll go to my laboratory."

After everyone was done eating, the Monkees and Ben Franklin went upstairs to a large room, where the scientist worked on his inventions. Near the window sat the time machine, looking just as it did in the museum. A copper wire was attached to the back and the other end went out the window and up the side of the house.
"I attached the wire to a metal pole on the roof." Franklin said, noticing where the guys were looking. "When the storm comes, the lightning will hopefully hit the rod and send enough electricity through the wire to power the machine."
"And send us home." Mike said.
"Yes, and send you home." Franklin smiled, "Or at least back to your own century."
"Any idea how to set the year and place?" Micky asked.
"No, I thought perhaps to set the hands, but you four will just have to rely on providence to get you back to the right time and place." Franklin replied. "Hmmm...Do you remember where the hands were set when you were brought here?"
The Monkees thought for a moment. Mike spoke up.
"It was set-I think-at three o'clock."
"Three o'clock it is, then." Franklin replied, setting the hands so it would read three o'clock.
Outside, it began to rain a little harder. Franklin took a deep breath.
"Now all we have to do is wait." He said.

So for the next several hours, the guys and Franklin took turns going up to the roof to see how the storm was progressing. By the early afternoon, the rain was coming down hard and thunder could be heard.
"It's really coming down out there." Micky said, drying himself off after looking outside.
"Pretty soon." Mike said, looking at his band mates.

As the Monkees and Ben Franklin waited for the lightning to strike the metal pole on the roof, there was a quiet knock on the laboratory door.
"Enter!" Franklin called out.
The door opened and Charity poked her head inside the room.
"Sorry to disturb you gentlemen," She said, "But its time for afternoon tea."
"Very well, I think we have time for a cup." Franklin replied.
Charity opened the door further to reveal Hope and Charity behind her, carrying trays of coffee and cookies, respectively.
The five men thanked them, then quickly had a bite to eat. Outside the storm was gathering strength. After awhile, Faith, Hope and Charity came back in, this time with Toby, carrying bundles of clothing.
"While you gentlemen were away, we took the liberty of washing and mending your clothes." Hope said.
"Oh, thank you!" Micky said, "We had forgotten all about them."
"Such interesting clothes." Faith remarked, "We had never seen such designs."
"Or felt such material." Charity added, "If you don't mind me asking, Michael, what is poly-ester?"
"Um, well...it's an exotic fabric found in India." Mike replied.
"Aye, some of the clothes were tagged 'made in India'." Faith said. "How wonderful to have clothing from there."
"The tag on the back of some of your clothes had such odd instructions as 'Machine wash warm, tumble dry low temperature." Toby said, "What does that mean?"
"It means it should be washed in warm water, Toby." Peter smiled, then looked at their host. "Do we have time to put these back on?"
"Yes, but be back soon." Mr. Franklin replied.
So the Monkees went out of the Franklin's lab and changed back into their twentieth century clothes in another room. Waiting for them outside was the three ladies and Toby. They all looked quite sad.
"Are you sure you gentlemen have to travel in this weather?" Charity asked, "The roads will not be passable."
The guys looked at each other. They hated to lie to their friends, but it was important that the fewer people knew where they were really from, the better.
"Sadly yes, Charity." Davy replied, "We are wanted men now. General Washington thought it best that we return to Connecticut as soon as possible."
"The bad weather will keep the soldiers indoors, making it easier for us to escape the city." Micky added.
"Do you want us to prepare you some food for your journey?" Hope asked.
"That is kind of you, Hope, but we'll be fine." Peter said.
Ben Franklin stuck his head out the door of his lab. "Almost time, gentlemen." He said, "Faith, Hope, Charity and Toby, go and keep watch at the front door, while these gentlemen affect their escape."
"We will, Mr. Franklin." Toby said.
Franklin stuck his head back inside the lab and shut the door. The Monkees looked at their friends.
"Well, I suppose this is goodbye." Mike said, looking at the floor.
"Goodbye, Micky, Mike, Peter and Davy." Faith said, "We will miss you."
"We'll miss you ladies as well." Davy said sincerely, "Even you, Toby."
Everyone chuckled at that, and shook hands. Davy took Charity's hand and kissed it.
"I don't think I properly thanked you for helping save my life." He said softly.
"You have now." Charity replied, trying not to cry.
"Let's go, Davy." Mike said, as he and the other Monkees went back into the lab. Davy lingered behind and softly kissed Charity on the cheek. Then with a small wave, he followed the others into the lab and shut the door.
"Mister Franklin said we have to watch the front door." Toby said.
Reluctantly, the four went back down the stairs to the front door.

Inside the lab, the Monkees gathered around the time machine. Ben Franklin was wiping the rain off his glasses from his last trip to the roof.
"It should be any second now." He said, "The epicenter of the storm is right over this house."
"We're ready, Mr. Franklin." Peter said.
Ben Franklin gave the guys a sad smile. "Do you think you gentlemen can humor an old man and answer a question for me?"
"We can certainly try, sir." Davy said.
"I know America will win their independence from Britain someday." Franklin said, "The money you showed me proved that. But can you tell me what will happen to these thirteen colonies in the future?"
Peter looked with kindness at their host. "I don't think it would spoil too much to say that there one day there will be many more colonies than just these thirteen." He said.
"And that they will become the United States." Micky added
"That will stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans." Mike put in. "And will become one of the greatest, most powerful nations on Earth where all people will live in freedom and justice."
"And you will help make it all happen." Davy finished. "You be greatly admired for centuries to come."
Franklin gave them all a big smile. "Thank you, my friends." He said softly, "You have made me a very happy man."
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning hit the metal pole on the roof, followed by a huge crack of thunder. The bolt shot the pole off the roof, but not before sending a large jolt down the copper wire and into the time machine! It began to hum and the loops around it began to glow.
"The time is now, gentlemen!" Franklin exclaimed.
The Monkees joined hands, with Peter in the front as before.
"Goodbye, Mr. Franklin!" The guys shouted.
"Goodbye, my friends!" Franklin said, "May Providence send you safely home!"
"Do it, Peter!" Micky exclaimed.
Taking a deep breath, Peter touched a hoop...
Suddenly, there was a flash of light and the guys felt like they were falling...
Then they landed with a thud on a hard wooden surface. Looking around, they saw the time machine...which was inside the History museum! The storm was abating outside and the lights were coming back on.
The Monkees sat up and hugged each other.
"We made it back!" Micky exclaimed.
A young boy about the age of ten ran over to them.
"Are you guys alright?" He asked.
The guys looked at him in shock. The boy looked just like Toby!
"Toby, is that you?" Peter asked.
"Toby?" The boy exclaimed, "My name is Tommy!"
"Tommy, where are you?" A woman called out.
"Over here, Cherry." Tommy replied.
A young woman walked over to them. She was wearing a dress suit and had a badge pinned to her lapel. To the Monkees' amazement, the woman looked just like Charity! They quickly got to their feet.
"Are you four ok?" Cherry asked.
"Oh, we're fine, ma'am, just fine." Davy stuttered, "Our friend touched that clock and we were stunned, that's all."
"Yes, that old clock is rather odd." She said, shaking her head. "Other museums report the clock chiming at odd hours and even glowing at times, but nobody knows what Mr. Franklin had in mind for that clock."
The Monkees knew for sure, but said nothing. The woman extended her hand.
"I'm Cherry Williams, a curator for this museum, and this is my little brother Tommy, a future curator himself."
"Pleased to meet you two." Mike said, shaking her hand.
Just then, two other women walked over. They looked like Faith and Hope.
"Are all the exhibits ok, Cherry?" One of them asked.
"The Franklin clock was acting up again." Cherry replied, "These gentlemen were stunned by it."
"Sorry to hear that." The other woman said. "I'm Fay Donaldson and this is Zoë Franklin. We work at the museum along with Cherry."
"We're so glad to meet you." Davy replied, unable to take his eyes off the girls.
Cherry noticed the stares the guys were giving them. "Is something wrong?" She asked.
"No, you just remind us of some friends we had to leave behind in Philadelphia a long time ago." Mike replied.
"Want to discuss it over dinner?" Cherry asked, "To make up for being stunned by that clock?"
"We get off work soon and the storm is almost over." Fay added.
"Sure, we'd love too." Micky smiled.
So the Monkees and the three girls plus Tommy went out to dinner-to a place called Ben's Tavern.

Later that evening, back at the pad, Peter was intently looking through the old history books. Then, while reading about the end of the Revolutionary War, Peter called the others over.
"What's up, Peter?" Mike asked.
"Just making sure we didn't mess history up, I've been looking through my history books and it looks like everything ok." Peter said.
"That's good." Micky replied.
"I also found a small footnote you guys might be interested in." Peter went on. "I couldn't find anything about Major Tom, but I found out Major Abe was released from prison after the war and sent back home to England in disgrace. He later died penniless."
The Monkees simply nodded their heads. None of them, especially Davy, had any sympathy for the cruel man. With a sigh, Peter shut the history book.
"And that, my friends," He said, "Is history."


THE END