The Declaration of Independence was supposed to have been signed on July 2. It was a greatly publicized prediction by John Adams, but it wasn't until July 4th that the text was approved and sent to a printer.

A majority of delegates signed on the 4th, although not everyone was there. Clark and Lois watched the historic event through the window, the usual spot they hid when they didn't want to be spotted. It had worked well so far. Clark always ducked down with Lois if they were in danger of being spotted. They made a special note that the biggest and first signature was made by John Hancock. He chuckled when he had finished signing his name and remarked, "So the king will not have to put on his spectacles." They took care to write down his humorous quote as well.

That warm summer night Clark and Lois were seated on Mrs. Shaw's porch gazing at what stars they could see from their position and talking.

"I agree with John Adams," Clark said. "It went too far to call the king a tyrant, but it is beautifully written." He looked at the paper and read the quote that he had written down. 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.' It's hardly revolutionary in thought, as Jefferson himself knows, but it is not a faithfully practiced ideal."

"It is sad, but true," she responded, but not with her usual passion. "Maybe our country will be different in time, or maybe we seek perfection from a world where it can't be had, but nonetheless, the truth has to be spoken."

"Lois, I know you are worried about something," he said, reaching over and taking her hand. "And I wish you would tell me what it is."

"I'm not worried. Just thinking. What do you know about Alexander Luthor?"

"Why? Is he the one that kidnapped you?" Clark demanded.

"I didn't say that. I was simply thinking of doing a story on him."

"I know that he's a man not to be trifled with. You should stay as far away from him as possible and forget the story."

"Why?" she asked curiously. "Because he divorced your sweetheart?"

"Not unless you were married to him at one time. Miss Lang did give me reason to believe that he was not to be trusted, but I have heard it from other sources too."

She sighed. She wasn't really seeking a fight. She was just in a bad mood because she knew what she had to do. "So have I. Do you not think that's reason enough to continue with the story? If one could expose his crimes, wouldn't that be a benefit to the city?"

"It would, but it wouldn't be an easy task."

She went back to gazing speculatively at the stars.

"But you're going to anyway, aren't you?" Clark asked without needing an answer. "Will you at least let me help you with whatever it is you're going to do? We make rather good partners you know."

She smiled at that comment and then looked at him carefully. She could certainly use some backup with the plan that she was hatching. If he wasn't any wiser to the reasons behind it perhaps she could keep him out of harm's way. "Do you promise to do just as I tell you?"

He laughed and brought her hand to his lips, "Always or at least within reason."

TBC