Impossible Journey, A Tale of Times and Truth

Soon the cylinder is again making its way gradually toward terra firma. They land in a clump of trees which hides a wide dirt road. Opening the window they can hear the chirping of the birds and the sound of a brook babbling nearby. "At least we won’t have to worry about the water for the fuel." observes Daniel.
The indicator, now functioning, tells them that they have arrived at the year 1775 in the early American colony of Philadelphia
" Philadelphia? Isn’t that part of Pennsylvania?”
“As far as I remember.”
“We must have set the directional dial wrong."
"We’ll have to try to overcompensate next time."
"And 1775! We went back only 74 years! Why?"
"Maybe something broke or something."
"Well, let’s cheek and see, shall we!"
But, Walt’s fascination with this period of history was getting the best of him. "Why don’t you two check while I go and have a look around?"
"Well, O.K., Walt, but, be careful."
Kerry goes to the communicator and unplugs the microphone, which also works on remote. "Better take this with you," he urges, handing it to Walt. "We won’t be able to contact home base, but it's preferable to keep in touch with each other."
Slipping the mike inside his jacket, Walt walks cautiously out to the edge of the small forest which hides their craft from view. He reaches the edge where he can see the road through the trees, and notices the imposing Independence Hall building in the distance, behind another clump of trees. “Wow,” he thinks to himself, “It’s just like on the postcard Aunt Susie sent when she toured the historical section of this city. But, that’s the real thing over there. Boy, I’d like to get a closer look.” But, suddenly, his thoughts are interrupted by the sound of footsteps and voices. Peering out, he can see three men approaching in the distance. Listening carefully, he is able to make out the conversation:
"Wasn't that great though, what Franklin said yesterday? I mean that business about the sun being a rising sun!"
"Indeed! Franklin’s a real optimist, isn’t he?"
"I sure hope he’s right."
"Well, gentlemen, we can certainly trust in a higher source than Franklin. Why don’t you try praying to The Almighty and trusting in Him as does Washington?"
"Washington? He’s too old-fashioned. I’m a Deist like Franklin. I believe there’s a God, sure. He created this world, sure. But, ever since, He’s just been sitting back and leaving everything up to us. Why, He’s too busy with things up there to be concerned about things down here." 
”And, where do you find that in the Bible?"
By now, the footsteps and voices have reached the tree behind which Walt crouches. Now they pass it. Curious to hear more of the conversation, Walt steps out stealthily onto the dusty road and creeps up quietly behind the three men. Being deeply involved in their conversation, they fail to notice him for the moment.
"Everyone knows," continues one man, "that the Bible was just written by men."
"I’m sorry to disagree, but it’s the only book which claims to be the Word of God."
"A claim easily enough made."
"Gentlemen, gentlemen!" urges the other man, "Let’s not argue! I mean, after all, we’re all striving for the same thing, aren’t we? And we all agree, at least, that if everything goes as planned, we’ve got a brilliant future ahead of us. Right? Isn’t that what Franklin meant by the rising sun?!"
At this point, a fallen twig breaks under Walt’s foot and one of the men turns and sees Walt following them. Trying to appear as natural as possible, Walt takes long strides in order to join himself to the three as quickly as possible. He also begins talking quickly, hoping thus to divert attention away from his strange attire.