I UMV ;/,! c -. UiiiiARY Jf ounfcms ot a Ration tKfje Jfounbmg of a Ration THE STORY OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS THEIR VOYAGE ON THE MAYFLOWER THEIR EARLY STRUGGLES, HARD- SHIPS AND DANGERS, AND THE BEGINNINGS OF AMERI- CAN DEMOCRACY AS TOLD IN THE JOURNALS OF FRANCIS BEAUMONT, CAVALIER BY FRANK M. GREGG VOLUME I THE ARTHUR H. CLARK COMPANY CLEVELAND: 1915 COPYRIGHT, IQIS, BY FRANK M. GREGG F S ' V '"' Co mp Htfe A patient and kindly critic A pilgrim in faith and courage Content* FOREWORD 13 LEAVING MY ANCESTRAL HALL 21 *o EVENTS WHICH DECIDE ME TO LEAVE ENGLAND . . 29 ,x THE EMBARKATION 51 v v THE STORM AT SEA 77 , ^ THE MAID OF LEYDEN 89 THE REVOLT OF THE LONDON MEN .... 107 THE SIGNING OF THE COMPACT 119 THE FIRST LANDING 135 THE FIRST EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY . . . . 151 * THE SECOND EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY . . . . 179 THE THIRD EXPEDITION OF DISCOVERY .... 203 LOCATING THE COLONY AT PLYMOUTH .... 229 THE STORY OF THE PILGRIMS 255 FEAR OF INDIAN ATTACK 285 PROGRESS OF THE PLANTATION 313 SUustrattong THE STORM-TOSSED MAYFLOWER .... Frontispiece From original painting by Lucius W. Hitchcock. EXPEDITION FOR THE FIRST DISCOVERY . . . . 153 EXPEDITION FOR THE SECOND DISCOVERY . . . . 183 EXPEDITION FOR THE THIRD DISCOVERY .... 205 The above three maps have been drawn entirely anew, based upon the recorded facts and a special study of the vicinity. THE MAYFLOWER ENTERING PLYMOUTH HARBOR . . 235 From the original oil-painting by W. F. Halsall in the collection of Pil- grim Hall and here reproduced through the courtesy of the Pilgrim Society. SCROOBY, ENGLAND, THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE PILGRIM COLONY 257 jforetoorb This story is a narrative-history of the Pilgrims of Plymouth. Though not entirely in accordance with popular traditions, which in many instances are erro- neous, it is in accordance with historical facts. To thoroughly understand the historical setting, it is essential that one discriminates between the Pilgrims and the Puritans, often confounded in the popular mind as being one and the same, when as a matter of fact they were entirely different. To properly inter- pret these differences one must understand that the colonists of the Mayflower were Englishmen of the period of 1608. Whilst the Puritans of the Massachu- setts Bay colony (Salem and Boston) were Englishmen of the period of 1628. The name "Pilgrims" was given to the Plymouth colonists by Governor William Brad- ford, who was a passenger on the Mayflower. The name "Puritans" was applied to the church and state reformers of all classes in England in the early part of the seventeenth century by the supporters of the court and king. When the Pilgrims fled from England to Holland in 1608, the Stuart dynasty had not fully developed its despotic theory of the divine right of kings. The com- moners at this period were still loyal. The Pilgrims, themselves, attributed their persecutions to the bishops of the established church and not to the king. But in 1628 Kings James I and Charles I had denied many of lje Jfouniung of a the ancient rights of the English parliament and peo- ple; and disloyalty was rife throughout the nation. It is evident, therefore, that the men of these two periods were not impelled by the same motives. The Pilgrims came to America to enjoy religious freedom. The Puritans came to America to enjoy political as well as religious freedom.' Considering the conduct of the two colonies in after years toward the mother country, it is reasonable to assume that at no time during the life of the Plymouth colony could the Pilgrims have written the Declaration of Independence. On the other hand, at almost any time between 1628 and 1776 the Puritans could have framed that famous document of political freedom. One fundamental difference between the Puritans and the Pilgrims was their attitude toward the Church of England. While the Puritan did not agree with all the forms and rituals of the established church, he steadfastly refused to leave it. His attitude was that the church could be reformed more quickly from with- in than from without. Even that sturdy old Master Puritan, John Winthrop, on the eve of sailing for America issued the Yarmouth Declaration, swearing his lasting allegiance to the "dear mother church." The Pilgrim on the other hand first separated himself from the established church and then, rather than worship contrary to his conscience, was compelled to leave his native land. The term "Separatists," which was so contemptuously applied to the Pilgrims was literally true. It is also true that his first thoughts of democracy grew out of this church dissension. While still living in England, the Pilgrims gave expression to the broad principle that jforetoorb 15 the people did not require a bishop of the established church to select their preacher, but on the other hand they were perfectly capable of choosing their own. This doctrine so startled King James I, that he exclaimed, "No bishop would soon mean no king!" Not only did the Pilgrims and Puritans differ in the fundamentals of church, but in matters of state as well; for the Pilgrims held that church and state should be separated. Any respectable man in Plymouth could be a free man and vote whether he was a member of the congregation or not. Captain Miles Standish, one of the most prominent men of the colony, was never a member of the church. The Puritans of Salem and Boston, however, vigorously held that only members of the church had the rights of free men and the power to vote. In their minds the church and state were one. The result was that the Pilgrims had a liberal form of government, whilst the Puritan developed a theocracy sternly despotic. The liberal spirit of Plymouth was never better dem- onstrated than during the witchcraft frenzy which for a time completely prostrated its more powerful neigh- bor. While Salem and Boston were hanging witches, Plymouth would have none of it. When Dinah Syl- vester told her story in the court at Plymouth, of how she saw her neighbor, Mrs. Holmes, in conversation with the devil in the form of a bear, she was promptly found guilty of slander and was ordered to be publicly whipped or pay Mrs. Holmes five English pounds. Some years afterward a second case was tried in Ply- mouth but the accuser was laughed out of court. These were the only two cases of witchcraft in this colony. The social position of the Pilgrims was of little con- 16 jje jfounbtng ot a Ration sequence. They were a simple country folk. Gov- ernor William Bradford, the one great authority of these people, says of them, "They were not acquainted with trades, nor traffic, but had been used to a plain country life and the innocent trade of husbandry." For twelve long years they had labored together in Holland. Without means to carry forward their exodus into the American wilderness, they turned to a company of London merchants for aid. Their only collateral was the pledge of the labor of their hands for seven years in the forests. After many grievous disap- pointments they sailed on one ship. Most of them were without arms, and their poverty was so pressing they did not even have extra leather soles for their shoes. Yet it fell to the lot of these men, who lived in log huts and fed upon the bread of corn, to found a nation. On the other hand the Puritans included many of the gentry. Some even were personages of wealth and in- fluence. When Governor John Winthrop and his Puri- tan associates sailed for Massachusetts Bay from Yar- mouth, April, 1630, there were ten vessels in the fleet. Ample food was aboard. There were numerous sheep, swine, cattle, and horses. Everything had been pro- vided to make the colonists comfortable and contented in the new country. If John Josselyn, who was in the colony in 1635, is to be believed, the total value of the cargoes of this Puritan fleet was upward of one million dollars -immeasurable wealth compared with the bank- rupt voyagers of the Mayflower. That the Pilgrims and Puritans were not one and the same has long been recognized by students of American history. But the average person still thinks of them as one people. The Pilgrims and the Puritans had many Jf ore to orb 17 points of similarity: both were men of the Bible; both were men of exacting consciences; both wished reforms within the established church. Failing in this the one party, weak and friendless, fled to Holland and thence to America, where for eight years it strove in the wil- derness to perfect its state and church. When all was in readiness for the opening of the second chapter in the struggle for democracy, the Puritans strong and self- reliant, sailed into the quiet waters of Massachusetts Bay, prepared to carry on the work. Though laboring under different conditions and harboring other ideas, both were Englishmen striving for freedom. It has been necessary to go into details of the vari- ances and similitudes of these two peoples, since it is essential that the reader put aside many erroneous tradi- tions and prejudices to intelligently interpret this story. It is only necessary now to remember that the Pilgrims were Englishmen. They feasted and fasted, enter- tained and were entertained, they laughed and cried, they played at games, they loved, they sang, they hated, they committed crimes - in fact they were human. But being ruled by their consciences, they were fearless in the right and sternly set against the wrong. Much of the history, romance, and tradition now ex- isting in the minds of the American people is founded upon Longfellow's beautiful poem, "The Courtship of Miles Standish." Unfortunately this poem was written several years before the discovery of the lost manu- script of Governor William Bradford entitled Historv of the Plimoth Plantation. In the light of the material extant at the time, no doubt the historical facts of this poem were accurate. In the light of the Bradford man- uscript it is far from being so. Longfellow had no 1 8 Efje Jfounbing of a JJatton means of knowing that his hero, John Alden, was not a member of the colony, but was a cooper by trade, who was picked up on the docks of Southampton and went on the voyage to America under a year's contract. Priscilla Mullins was the daughter of Master William Mullins, a London merchant, who was an adventurer in the voyage. Her father, mother, brother, and ser- vants all died in the "great sickness," leaving her alone. The bridal journey on the bull's back, so graphically described, historically was impossible as there were no cattle in the colony until several years later. The Mayflower brought over some of the noblest of men and women, and likewise some whose characters were not above reproach. It is now fully established that there was a family aboard whose subsequent history might cause sociologists to classify them as degenerates. The father, a quarrelsome man, was hung for murder. The son had a large family which he was unable to support. One grandson was a worthless character and a constant expense to the community. The treasurer of the colonists, who purchased the supplies for the voyage, refused to make an accounting of the funds and died leaving his records in chaos. One of the men betrayed his associates, became an embezzler, and was driven from the colony. Thus was humanity both at its worst and best on this momentous voyage of the ship May- flower. There were two separate factions on the vessel. One contingent came from London. Governor Bradford speaks of this group as "strangers thrust upon them." The inference being that as the London merchants sup- plied most of the funds, they also insisted in sending some of their own choosing as colonists. The other jforetoorfc 19 contingent was the party of Englishmen from Leyden in Holland. These were the real founders of the col- ony. They were the strong and trustworthy men. Liv- ing under the leadership of Reverend John Robinson in Holland for twelve years, they were thoroughly em- bued with a democracy of church government, unknown to any other body of Englishmen. Though they had long lived in the midst of the city of Leyden, they were not a part of it. Reverend John Robinson occupied a large house with extensive grounds. Within these grounds were built small cottages in which many of the people lived. The records of Leyden bear evidence of the goodly character of this group. I refer to the re- marks of the Dutch burghers of Leyden on the quarrel- someness of the French protestants, at the same time pointing out that their English brethren were never in court and were law abiding citizens. The best evidence extant, that government of the people and by the people came out of Leyden, is the letter of Reverend John Rob- inson read to the colonists on shipboard just before sail- ing from Southampton. If every other scrap of testimony on this fact were lost, this letter suggesting and advising the purest democracy is sufficient to identify the found- ers of this commonwealth. "The Compact," signed in the cabin of the Mayflower, which is the foundation of our democracy, undoubtedly originated in Leyden and not in London. From this historical statement, we turn to the ro- mance of the narrative: Francis Beaumont, the narra- tor, is a literary character. There was a real Lora Standish, but not a Lora Brewster. Wherever Beau- mont speaks of himself and events that affect him alone, that part of the story is fiction; but whenever he asso- 20 Qpfje jf ounbing of a Station ciates himself with the acts of the colonists that part is in the main recorded history: for instance, the breaking of the ship's beams, the signing of "the Compact," the three voyages of discovery, the planting of the colony in the great clearing, the building of the houses, the burning of the common-house, the discovery of the col- umns of smoke from the fires of the savages, the various meetings at the common-house, the great sickness, the deaths, the coming of Samoset, the visits of Massassoit, the dread of the savages, the first harvest festival, the coming of the ship Fortune, the great famine, and other incidents of a similar character. These events are all told chronologically with one exception, i.e., the entrance of the Mayflower into Ply- mouth Harbor. The date of the first attempt of the ship to gain the harbor was the fifteenth of December, old style. In the story this event has been placed on Christmas Day. With this exception the story follows the history almost day by day. The motif of the narrative is to have some one else besides the interested parties tell the story of the cour- age and hardships of these enduring people: an epic of tragedy, self-denial, romance, famine, pestilence, death, and heroism unsurpassed in the annals of man. This great story belongs to the people and not alone to the student. It was impossible to have one of the Pil- grims tell his own story without creating standards which the average person would not follow, or, if he did he would put them aside immediately as being false and artificial. A liberal cavalier seems to be the plaus- ible character to relate the narrative. Creating his own atmosphere and color, no one dare say nay to his state- ments, nor does he grate upon the minds of the hero worshipers of the Pilgrims. Heabmg mp &nce*tral It was a summer's day with the sun filtering through the leaden panes of the mullion lattice windows, filling the hall with light and gray shadows. The rays from the outside world touched my crimson velvet cape which I wore loosely around my shoulders, making its color grow warm and brave. This was my natal day, likewise the day I entered into manhood. I was kneeling before a shield, which, somewhere in the dim past, had been hung upon the walls of our ancient castle by a bold and worthy ancestor to inspire those who came after to ever keep the name Beaumont unsullied in the purple of the court or in the din of battle. Besides me was my French hat, with its curling feather showing white upon the floor worn smooth by the feet of ancient and honorable men. I looked up at the shield with its field emblazoned with lilies and a lion rampant. On all sides of me were the pictures of stern and grim faced men, bidding me to take my vows properly and maintain them as a Beaumont should, even unto death. With the pride of my people stirring within me I arose and placing my hand upon the lion, that I might be embued with its courage, I leaned over and kissed the lilies that I might be instilled by their gentleness. Drawing my sword as my ancestors had done before me, since the time that King Edward crowned a De Beaumont, king of the Isle of Man, I made a vow that 22 cDfje jf otmtnng of a Ration I would play the part of a true and courageous man, wherever my lot should fall. I was alone, for no per- son was ever with a Beaumont, at this sacred devotion. I looked up into the ceiling where the oak timbers, carved and enriched with many strange and curious figures, had grown dark and soft with age. My eyes swept down the great hall with its fluted shafts of oak, its cedar panels with armorial bearings; and the great fireplace flanked by brass fire dogs and other trappings. On the drive outside the door I could hear my horse stamping nervously to be off. With my sword dangling at my side I walked slowly around the room, bowing low to a determined faced ancestor looking out of the shadows of another century. Being my favorite Beau- mont, I bent my knee to him, a favor which I would grant no man alive unless it be King James; then walked quickly across the room, out onto the lawn where my father and brothers were awaiting to give me a willing God-speed. The tender graces of a mother I had not known for some years. Though my home ties were endearing, they were more easily broken than if I had had to say farewell to a loving parent. Throw- ing my leg across the saddle I mounted and with a low sweep of my hat, bade adieu to my kinsmen and like- wise to my youthful fancies. My lot was that of a youngest son of one of the proud- est families in Leicestershire, counting its relations amongst royalty and its age by centuries. Since I was shut out of hopes of becoming heir to the family estates, the church and the army alone were left me as fields of action. Being one and twenty, with a strong body and a long arm, I promptly turned my back on the peaceful walk of the clergy and chose the career of a leaning mp Ancestral Hall 23 soldier. The ancient roof, to be sure, offered me a covering, but I fancied something besides eating, sleep- ing, drinking, and dancing was to be my lot. With youthful dreams engaging my mind, I rode across England, coming to the shores of the sea. For the first time looking upon the expanse of waters in my innocence, I grew fearful for our fields in Leices- tershire as I conceived that the low shores would soon- er or later waste before the waves letting the flood loose upon our island. These fancies I soon forgot as the Dutch lugger car- ried me across to Flushing, where I was to serve my apprenticeship in arms. This was one of the cities which the good and thrifty Queen Elizabeth had ex- acted from her Dutch allies for certain loans of money made when they were hard pushed in the war against Spanish control. Being, in a sense, an English city, it was necessary for English soldiers to guard it and I held the commission as an officer of a company. Though lacking knowledge of an officer's duties, I was well aware that I was safe in my ignorance for the present, since there was a truce between the Spaniards and the Dutch. Landing within the city walls, I was hailed as a recruit from home, who was to be plucked of his effects. This my fellow officers promptly did until I was as poor as the poorest of them. In exchange for my property, I was shown the ways and habits of a soldier in a rough but perfect manner. There was barely a handful of English soldiers in the town under the command of Charles Blount, Baron Mountjoy, a nobleman from Devonshire a few years older than myself. By the grace of our ancient families he was captain of the company, while I was a lieuten- 24 tCfje Jfounbmg of a JJatton ant. The rank and file, however made up for what the commissioned officers lacked in age and experience. For of all the bold and untrammeled vagabonds, that I had ever seen, this band was the worst. They were a hardy and seasoned lot, who fought for the Dutch one month and the Spanish the following; changing mas- ters so often, they frequently forgot whether to shout their battle cry in goodly Dutch, or in the language of the Dons. They would sack a town, storm a citadel, or clamber over an embankment onto the pikes of an enemy with easy indifference, just so long as they were assured that their pay was forthcoming at the appointed time. Such grisly adventurers made me proud of my command and I soon loved them in their audacity and hardihood. While we had not serious warfare to carry on, still we were compelled to maintain strict military disci- pline to keep the leash securely on our dogs of war. Our main diversion was an occasional Englishman of wealth or birth happening our way whom we would immediately make an officer of our company. This honor was celebrated by festivities at the charge of the new recruit in which men and officers joined alike. Sometimes the quondam soldier was made to do guard duty, and so long as he stayed with us we kept him busy until he tired or his funds were exhausted. Stripped of his easy honors, he was sent on his way, while we looked across the sea and waited impatiently for a new arrival to break the monotony of the daily routine. As I have said, Baron Mountjoy, or Charles Blount, was captain of this company in Holland, because he was a young scion of an ancient family of Devonshire. leatung mj ancestral JMU 25 Besides having natal misadventures in common, we were of one mind on many other things, so that we soon grew into each other's likings. In the midst of foreign people we were forced to amuse ourselves, driving us to form cliques within our command, Blount and I pair- ing off together. The blood of youth soon cemented our relations into a friendship of more than passing nature. Time hanging heavily on our hands, Captain Blount and I made excursions to the surrounding towns. I must confess our object was one of diversion; pleasing our vanities, rather than absorbing the more stable em- bellishments of manners and mind. On these excursions, we frequently met in the streets of Amsterdam runaway Englishmen, who, not content with the king's church, separated themselves from their native land and came to this country to establish a re- ligion of their own. Blount pointed them out to me at first. With their gray clothes and grayer looks, I soon came to know them and would promptly cross the street rather than meet them face to face. We had several of these Separatists around Beaumont Hall ; but they were soon driven out of the country, hav- ing designs upon the church established by the king. These Separatists were a stubborn lot, for no sooner were they established in Holland, than they began send- ing pamphlets of a seditious nature secretly into Eng- land, preaching their doctrine of the rights of the individual against the divine rights of the king. This audacity brought them into trouble in England and Holland, as it should; for I was well drilled in the doc- trine that the commonality had no rights except those granted them by their king and his nobles. 26 Clje Jf ountring of a Ration In the spring of 1619, Captain Blount and I rode through the green valleys and flowering lowlands of this half sunken country into the city of Leyden. Set in the midst of a low plain which had been rescued from the bottom of the sea through the great patience of the people, the green pastures like running waters lapped the walls of the city, overflowing into the streets beyond. The River Rhine which both of us looked upon with admiration, we were told, found its begin- ning in the mountains of Switzerland, where it flowed with dash and vigor among the high cliffs and wild deserts of that distant country. At Leyden the Rhine River entered into a more slothful existence, divided into many branches it flowed slowly through the city, making many waterways which these thrifty people used for floating their commerce. Our dirty kennel in the center of the street with its mud and sickening odor was unknown in this country; more- over, there were walks of brick and stone close to the houses. Hammered stone bridges were over the water- ways, giving a sense of security, which we did not possess when trusting ourselves to the wooden structures in our own country. Then the houses of Leyden were past our belief. We looked upon the rows of brick houses with dooryards of growing grass in amazement, having never seen such a number of clean and wholesome homes in all our travels. As an Englishman I would not confess it to another, but within me I felt that Leyden had no equal in all the shires of England. We could not understand how this great wealth could grow out of the making and bartering of goods. The leatring mp Ancestral l^ail 27 multitude of people who thrived upon this exchange of things, however, left us no opportunity to even argue that sooner or later the commoners must go back to the halls of the nobleman from whence they came and again seek his protection. This wealth from trading, I am sure never occurred to Blount, and I am free to confess, never entered my mind before. For several days we wandered through the streets of the city envious in our hearts, that it was not in England instead of in Holland. Coming into a little square, in the cool of a May evening, we stood in the presence of a cathedral. Barbarians as we were, we were struck by its beauty. As I stood in wonderment a strange feeling came over me, as with a flash my mind was illumined and I saw the graceful lines and symmetry of form of the building as a living thing. From whence came this strange power stirring me so deeply? My own thoughts are that it was direct from the soul of the man who, in years gone by, dreamed out this creation of mortar and stone. Into this man's mind there came a message from his soul, a spark from the infinite; then he dreamed a dream in which he saw a beautiful inan- imate thing. As his heart beat strong, his fingers traced out his conception stroke by stroke in a great arched win- dow flanked by towers with tapered roofs. With artful grace he piled stones on each other, straight and turned, plain and curved, narrow and broad, with such order and profusion, that the massive structure became as the delicacy of a piece of lace. I am loth to admit however that the only points in common between this ancient master dreamer and myself were our soul sparks. Though he had long since gone his way, I fancied his 28 je Jfounfcing of a Ration spirit lingered in his work and for a moment lighted mine, so that I, too, caught a glimpse of his conception and stood looking on the dull stones in admiration. While we were gazing at the cathedral an elderly man with gray hair and dignified mien, accompanied by a maiden dressed in gray and white, came around the turn of the street into the square. At my first glance I saw he was a renegade Englishman of that hateful class called Separatists or Brownists. Not having the least sympathy for them, in fact the greatest contempt, I started across the street. Perhaps the influence of the cathedral was still upon me, for happening to glance at the face of the girl, I hesitated. In her dress of gray with a white shawl thrown around her shoulders and a hood of light texture hiding circles of brown hair with- in its folds, she was indeed a comely figure. Stopping, again I stole a glance at her, forgetting my anger against her people. Surely my heart must have been mellowed beyond belief, for I not only waited for the two to come up to us, but turning, watched them until they passed out of sight. Blount too was fascinated, exclaiming, "An English beauty." "More than that, a gentlewoman," was my reply. Cfaente toijtd) trectbe me to leafae War times were pressing hard upon us. The great truce of many years between the Dutchmen and the Spaniards was drawing to an end. Since I fancied the profession, my time was wholly given over to drilling my company and watching the repairs on the fortifica- tions. With pleasurable pride I walked around the walls, examining the water ditches and gates and planned ways of defense when we were at blows with the enemy. Our ammunition was in store and the men were tug- ging at their leashes, when my career in Holland was abruptly ended. The change came through Blount and was not of my own making, for as we were walking upon the walls one November day in 1619, a messenger from England came to us, handing my comrade an envelope laden with many red seals. With anxiety I stood and watched my companion as he tore open and read the contents. I saw the lines of his face soften and his eyes fill with tears as he turned to me and said, "Beaumont, I must be away for Eng- land; my brother has been accidentally killed." Without thinking, I heartlessly replied, "Then Blount, you are the Earl of Devonshire." Bowing his head without further reply, he bade the messenger to await him in our quarters while we walked on in the cool air to give the new earl time to think. 30 {Efje jf ounbing of a Jetton It was during this walk that the earl suggested that I return with him to England, which of course did not meet with my approval, the fever of war being loose in my veins. At our quarters he pressed me harder than ever, saying there would not be an outbreak be- tween the Dutch and Spaniards. I resolutely held my ground until he pleaded that it would be a kindness to him for me to go, then I began to waver. When he promised to return to Holland in case of war, I gave in. Packing my chests, I shortly accompanied him aboard an English coaster on the way to Devonshire. Landing at Harwich, we took horses to far-away Plymouth, where we came in due time spattered with mud and wet by autumn rains. It was a short journey thence to Devonshire Hall where we arrived unan- nounced. Having been so long on the journey, the earl could only go alone to the manor church and pay his last respects to his brother over a newly laid stone in the floor. Devonshire Hall was not as ancient as Beaumont Hall. It was patterned after the letter H, in honor of King Henry. This was the custom in the times of the Henries, so that a nobleman could go to court and bow- ing low would say, "Your Majesty, I have builded my house after thee." It was a rambling house with thick walls, half tim- ber, half brick, with cut stone around windows and doors, seated in the midst of a forest of oaks and elms, which stretched away for miles with only a clearing now and then around a great house or mayhap a few fields of a country gentleman's estate. Landscape gar- dening had penetrated even to this distant shire, walks being laid out and lined with hedges. In my fancy I Catoalier life in Cnglanb 31 thought it a gentle spot, where the grass carpeted the earth with softness in the spring time and the song of the winds played upon the leaves in midsummer with infinite sweetness. Truly it was a pleasing and noble habitation in the midst of all these growing things. If the environment without was goodly, the life within the hall was also a merry one. The young earl was not burdened with the cares of this world, nor did he fancy those around him who were. So while the common people labored about us, we ate, drank, played with dice wildly, and slept as little as we could. In a word, we lived the life of gentlemen of the time, leav- ing nothing undone in our fierce pleasures, which could be accounted as unsociable by the other members of our noble class. Some of the retinue would abide indoors and so besot their stomachs with ale that they knew little of the outside world. Though I admit I played my part in this riotous living, still I loved to mount my horse on mornings, when hoar frost was on the grass, and follow the dogs until the freshness of the forest air set me in a quiver with its life. The sound of a hunter's horn to this day makes me prick up my ears, like an old dog, and sends my fancy back to the valleys and fens of Leicestershire and Devonshire. Now and then on a wet day I would explore the village of workers who toiled to produce what we in the hall used so extravagantly. Since there were no mar- kets at which the earl could buy food, clothes, and the necessities, he must of certainty have them made and provided in his own village. This consisted of low thatched roofed cottages not far removed, in which dwelt the hardy men and women of toil. 32 flflfje jFounbtng of a Station Tom Scott was the smithy, and a better man never set a piece of iron to a red heat. Childlike I was in- terested by the flying fire and thought him a salamander until I stood in the sparks and found them harmless. Tom put irons on the hind feet of my horse and renewed them from time to time so that I came to know him particularly. Beyond the smith shop was the saw pit where men ripped off planks for mending and building, while the wood yard was close by with beams and fire-wood piled in orderly fashion. Coming into the village of low thatched houses, I always found the baker, the brewer, the miller, the dairyman, and all the other people, who toiled for us in the hall, hard at work. Frequently I stopped at the dairy, for the splashing of the great churn, as it worked under the power of a horse that went round and round, was heard six days of the week and the seventh if needs be. Beyond were the sheep pens and sties for pigs, and overhead cots for pigeons. For you must understand that squabs for the pan and birds for pies were delicacies which everyone desired and was pleased with, if set down piping hot before him. The slaughter pen was nearby where the neat cattle were killed in the fall and salted away for winter's use. Being far from markets, our provender all came from this village of workers who were glad of a place to labor, eat, and thrive; two virtues which we in the hall could not lay title to, since we neither labored, nor were we ever falsely accused of being thrifty. The work in the still-room was always pressing, to meet the constant drain on the wine-cellar, where were stored barrels of home-brewn ales and shelves of cur- Catmlter life in Cnglatft 33 rent, cowslip, and elder wines; likewise vinegar and pickles of walnuts and ground vines. A portly man was the brewer, also a wise one, as he went amongst his copper vats testing and tasting his products. We counted him an important man too, and happy was the nobleman whose brewer was the best. It was to this extensive establishment that the earl and I came fresh from Holland. Following the prac- tice of the times, my comrade accepted his household as he found it. This included several gentlemen, who, though having incomes, lived in the Hall as followers of the earl. Among the gentlemen, who came by inheritance to my old companion, was Louis la Valle, a slender, fanciful youth, whose style and tongue I dis- liked from the first. He occupied the brown lodgings next to the earl's, from whence he was compelled to move, to make place for me. This of course was dis- tasteful to him, and he made no effort to conceal his ill temper. As I was big and strong and he was not of my weight, I pretended not to see his slights, irritating him more than if I had seized him by the throat. Our community being small, I did not have the op- portunity of keeping away from La Valle, both of us being deep in the hunting, shooting, drinking, and gaming. Unless he was winning with dice, he was ill tempered and once or twice we had words, which were soon forgotten on my part, but still lingered with him. On Christmas eve when the great yule log was being drawn in by the people, amidst cheering and hilarity I happened to tread upon La Valle's foot. In an in- stant he was aflame and would have drawn his sword, but for the interference of mutual friends. The earl 34 fie Jfounbtng of a Ration gave La Valle notice he must withdraw himself from the Hall, but I begged Blount to let him stay. The earl being young and unmarried naturally was the center of many social festivities. There were noble ladies in plenty in Devonshire, who would have been proud to have come under the shelter of the Hall as its mistress. Among the ancient families where there were such aspirations was that of the Stuarts. Being the earl's companion in heart as well as in arms, I accom- panied him on his visits to the fair ladies. In the Stuart household was one Arabella, a young lady of particular grace and peculiar fascination. The earl having his fancy set on another sister, the Lady Arabella and myself were left to spend our even- ings together. As a matter of fact I became very much attached to her, as she was both gracious and beautiful ; singly these graces were confusing enough to any youth, but together were irresistible. The fates seemed to be against my peace of mind as well as body, for this gentle Lady Arabella was one on whom La Valle was disposed to lavish his attentions. This did not deter me in the least, however, from going with the earl frequently and many times alone to the Stuart Hall. During the spring and summer of this year of our Lord, sixteen hundred and twenty, the fair Lady Arabella and I were much together; and I aver with quickened pulse that it was a great pleasure for me to be with her. In fact our attachment was fast growing into an affection. I can best explain an unex- pected change in my life by giving certain details, as I remember them, which I truthfully set down as they occurred. One evening in September, 1620, the earl and I rode Catmlier life in Cnglanb 35 up to Stuart Hall to visit our lady loves. Lady Ara- bella was particularly fair in the candle light in her colored silks and satins. The wind being from the warm earth, we walked upon the terrace in the air until she suggested we try a dance which had just arrived from Paris. In her laughing mood she declared, "Sir Francis, since you have been to Holland you must know the new step." "Nay, nay, Lady Arabella," I answered, "it is a long journey from Holland to Paris, so this new dance did not reach me ere I left Flushing." "Then you must admit, it should have reached you." With this bit of feminine philosophy I was dragged to the center of the floor. I shook my head and again protested, "Lady Ara- bella, I am ignorant of it." "Then I will teach you," she said laughingly. My awkwardness fulfilled my statement of a lack of knowledge of the new dance; for in my confusion I stepped on her slipper tearing a diamond shoe rose from its fastening. Picking up the jeweled trifle I offered it to her. Instead of taking it she bade me drop it in my pocket and give it to her after our dancing lesson. The exercise making it uncomfortably warm indoors, we again took refuge in the open air. It was one of those delightful nights with a golden moon flooding the hilltops and forest with its seductive light. The gentle air stirred the leaves of the elm and oaks into song. Lady Arabella and I walked upon the ter- race in this entrancing world until the earl announced he was departing. With a kindly pressure of her hand I bade her "Good night" and rode away. 36 je Jfounbing ot a Ration Turning into the drive at Devonshire Hall, I hap- pened to put my hand in my pocket. With an exclam- ation of surprise I drew forth the diamond shoe rose. As the earl did not hear me, I dropped the bauble back into my pocket, determining to return it to its fair owner on my next visit. The narration of this incident brings me to Monday evening, September fourteenth; the day and the date are so firmly impressed upon me, that I have no hesi- tancy in giving them as being accurate, without resort- ing to further proof than my own memory. We were seated at the table in the feasting hall. The great white candles flickering in their sockets were shedding a dim light over a row of red-faced men. Flushed with good food and much drink we were indifferent to everything except our own pleasure. Someone suggested playing dice. Instantly we were alive. It was like throwing a lighted match into gunpowder to suggest gambling to this crowd of roysterers. The palm of my hand burned with desire to shake the illusive pieces and send them rattling along the boards, so beset was I with gaming. To suggest was to act. For a few moments we played furiously until the first excitement gave way to the stolid indifference, which comes to a man who plays with chance. Mugs of ale were drunk to steady our nerves, and now and then an oath came from a loser. La Valle was playing badly and was losing steadily. To quiet his nerves he drank freely until the fumes of the liquor made him quarrelsome. Whilst Dame Fortune frowned on La Valle, for some reason this night she smiled upon me, so that from time to time I dropped my winnings into the pocket of my coat. Catoalier life in nglan& 37 One of the players, being filled with pride at his own skill, ventured a handsome sum upon his cast; reaching into my pocket I threw a handful of coins carelessly upon the table. There was a peculiar sparkle in the midst of the silver. La Valle's eye caught the unusual light, and before I could prevent him, he reached across the table and picked up Lady Arabella's shoe rose. Seizing a candlestick he held the precious bauble up to the light. Recognizing it he turned and threw it into my face saying, "I gave it to Lady Arabella, she gave it to you; now you take it back to her with my compliments." Dazed by the sudden attack, I sat undecided whether to push the matter or wait until morning. La Valle did not give me an opportunity to decide but instantly sprang to his feet drawing his sword. The other play- ers rushed between us endeavoring to stop the fray. As the quarrel was not of my seeking, I could do no less than draw my sword and await the attack. La Valle who was an expert swordsman was for fight- ing at once in the hall. I had no objections to trying the issue with swords, but preferred good light for the work. My antagonist, however, would brook no delay. He stormed and threatened me until I bade the men clear away the table. This obstruction being out of the way, a circle formed in the middle of the room. Men on all sides held up lighted candles that we might see the better to cut each other's throats. There was no desire of either of us to withdraw now, nor could we have done so, and ever lived in the presence of these hard faced men. La Valle was one of those swordsmen, practiced in the art of fencing according to the French method; it 38 Wfje jfounfctng of a Ration was advance and retreat, thrust slyly and quickly, steal upon a man and with a turn of the wrist cut open his side or arm. It was a fashion I never fancied though I must admit for practical purposes it was effective. My idea was a slash and a blow well aimed and deliv- ered hard. If you are after a man's life my schooling was not to sneak it away, but advance boldly and take it. Physically, we represented our respective ways of fighting; La Valle was tall, slender, and quick as a cat. There was no doubt but if I let him close to me, he would run me through the body with ease and pleasure. On the other hand I was big of body, heavy in muscle, and steady on my feet, but in spite of my strength I was fearful of the outcome of my English training against his French strokes. But let the outcome be what it may, I felt I must fight and die like a Beaumont. The circle narrowed as La Valle came forth with his sword ready for the fray. As I closed in, he began his French antics, moving this way and that, until I could hardly tell by the dim light whether he was advancing or retreating. I stood watching my antagonist closely making no effort to follow him, shifting my position, however, from time to time so as to face him. Now that the fumes of liquor were out of La Valle's head, I think, he was not so anxious to fight in the dark; but we were both in the ring of battle and dared not give way. As we turned and shifted, he sprang at me and with a thrust tore a hole in my coat. If my sword hand had been as quick as his, I could have ended mat- ters there and then ; but he was out of harm's way ere I could get in a stroke. I was not at the work long before I discovered one of Catmiter life in Cngianb 39 La Valle's friends playing tricks with the candle which he was holding. When La Valle faced him his friend held the candle high. But as I edged around this same candle would be lowered so that it shown full in my eyes, partially blinding me. This foul trick only an- gered me, and I rained blows on my antagonist, until I was brought to my senses by feeling a sting in my left wrist and saw the blood dropping from a cut. It was my second escape. I grew calm as I knew full well the next few minutes would decide the fight. Closer and closer La Valle worked in toward me, like a tiger about to spring upon its prey. Fortunately the rogue with the candle was at my back and I so ma- neuvered to keep him there as I was now playing for my life. Slowly, slowly my antagonist moved around me, look- ing for an opening. Just as carefully I kept on guard. I could hear the men breathing heavily. I have vivid recollections of these crucial moments. My mind was clear and my arm as steady as though I was feasting instead of fighting desperately. I was keenly alive to the fact that it was my courage pitted against La Valle's skill and confidence. I could see the working of my antagonist's mind by the nervous movements of his eyes, and even before he sprang at me, he told me his purpose by the sudden contraction of his muscles. Moving quickly and freely he came at me with a lunge, which I was helpless to ward off. I felt the prick of my flesh as his sword tore through my greatcoat. My thoughts were that I was done for; but I was determined that he should fall with me and struck him full in the breast La Valle's face turned ashen then staggering he fell 40 je Jf ounfomg of a Jetton to the floor. While some of our erstwhile comrades leaned over the stricken man, others rushed me out of the room. Thinking I had been wounded, as soon as I could, I tore open my big coat and waistcoat to find that La Valle's sword had merely grazed my side. He had been deceived by the poor light and the size of my great- coat, sending his sword through the garment instead of my body. The earl ever solicitous of my safety was for hurry- ing off to London and explaining the affair at court as La Valle had powerful friends close to the throne, who no doubt would send me to the tower or even to the block. But after much debating it was agreed between us the simplest way would be for me to go to Plymouth, there take passage on the first vessel sailing for foreign lands, where I could tarry until the combat was forgot- ten, or my friends adjusted matters so that I could re- turn to England with safety. Though I protested, the earl refused to permit me to journey to Plymouth alone, and made himself ready to join me in the night journey. The coach with four horses shortly came dashing up to the door. My chests were soon stored away and with many regrets at the hasty leaving of my comfortable quarters and jolly com- panions, we started on our lonely ride across the country. Being in the middle of September the earth was not saturated with the rains, but sounded firm and hard under the broad irons of the wheels of the coach. We were soon in the midst of a forest of oaks and elms that spread unbroken, except for a clearing now and then, to the sea. We had no fixed road to move upon. An old English law provided that trees should not stand Catmlier ILtfe in (Cnglmtb 41 within a given distance of a thoroughfare, making hid- ing places for highwaymen while following their genial profession. The roads were merely wide clearings passing through forests and across fens and fallow places. There was not even a log bridge to carry one safely over creeks and sloughs in which the horses sank to their withers. These wagon strips were cut by in- numerable tracks and filled with holes and roots, having no semblance to the solid roads we saw in Holland. To the men who only know the fens and marshes of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, the great hills of this south country are beyond their belief. I have heard them say, when told of mountains and heights of lands, that one layer of earth to keep a man's feet out of the sea, was all that was needed. It was the east-of-England man's idea that the world was flat, that it grew grass for cattle, that it was cut here and there with sluices rilled with sluggish water flowing lazily to the sea. But if some of these wise men had tumbled with us down the sides of the Devonshire hills this night, they would have had jostled into their thick heads a few ideas on the rough spots of their native island. All night long we toiled across the hills beset with stumps, roots, and holes, until at the coming of day we saw Mount Edgecombe off in the distance, standing like a sentinel on guard over the waters of Plymouth Sound. Coming to the brow of a hill, we saw the spires of a church rising above the tops of the trees with a haze falling low over the land beneath which lay the town of Plymouth. With a crack of his whip our driver sent his steeds forward halting at the edge of the village. Putting my head out of a window, I learned we must abandon 42 (Efje Jfounbtng of a Ration the coach, the street being too narrow to permit its passage between the houses. Even if it could have entered, there was no telling how soon it would break through into the vaults that extended beyond the houses. Besides the streets were so crooked that our lead horses would have been out of sight most of the time. Leaving our coach we made our way on foot to an inn called the Anchor, kept by one Master Estep. He was up and looking for custom when we entered. Rub- bing his eyes in astonishment at our early arrival, he exclaimed, "Your Worships, have come far!" My companion did not reply, answering the question with a nod of his head. "What are Your Honors' wishes?" exclaimed the inn- keeper. "Something to eat, a mug of ale and your best room," replied the earl. "Then the front parlor is what you wish, and a hand- some room it is Your Worshipfuls." My companion would not listen to more, ordering Master Estep to show us the way to the front parlor. It was a narrow dingy room, poorly lighted, so that crossing the rough and warped floor was one of some peril. Carpets which in after years were woven to walk upon, were now hung about the walls of the room, to conceal their ugliness. There were ballads of love, war, and romance pasted and tacked about the place, being as much a part of the inn as the sign swinging over its entrance. Now that we were safely housed we began to plan for shipping me away to a foreign land. Being a sol- dier of fortune, I made no exceptions of countries except Spain, otherwise I was ready to go to any other part of Catmlier life tn Cnglanfc 43 the world. Plymouth having been the starting point of the expeditions of Sir John Hawkins, Frobisher, and Francis Drake, I was in hopes some such hardy adven- ture was on foot. Having breakfasted on fresh mutton, as it was in September, we decided to interview the innkeeper, as to what ships were in the harbor and whither their destination. Coming into the common room of the tavern, we saw Master Estep in earnest argument with a red faced sailor of past middle age. As we entered the stranger brought down his clenched fist upon the table making the two pewter mugs rattle as he exclaimed, "Frank Drake was the best captain, that ever sailed the seas." "Nay, John Hawkins," broke in the innkeeper. This made the seaman out of temper and he again beat the table with his fist saying, "Drake feared neither land nor sea, nor any man that walked upon the one or floated upon the other." I was about to speak and stop this quarrel over the favorite seamen, when the earl put his hand upon my arm and shook his head for me to desist. The innkeeper, through pure stubbornness still clung to his champion, saying, "John Hawkins taught Drake the ways of the sea." The old sailor striking the table heavily with his clenched hand said, "Nay, which will you have Haw- kins or Drake?" "Drake," exclaimed the earl. As the stranger sat with his mouth half open in aston- ishment I advanced, saying, "My good man can you tell me whether there are ships in the harbor now, going to strange parts?" 44 be Jf ounbing at a Jgation "Indeed there are," was his quick reply. "To what country are they bound?" "They say to the northern part of Virginia." At this the earl drew back and shook his head. I was interested immediately because of a book which an adventurer by the name of Captain John Smith had written and printed, which he called, A Description of New England. Some three years before he had dis- tributed this writing among merchants and titled people to interest them in a colony, which he proposed to es- tablish in this new country. I had read this writing and the part that stirred me most was Captain Smith's description of the sport and pastimes in Virginia. The earl, not knowing what was in my mind, could only think of the disasters that had overtaken so many of the colonists, who had trusted themselves to those inhospitable shores. He was for holding a conference with me, but I would not and put this question to the seaman, "My man, how many ships are there in the fleet?" "There were two, Your Honor, but the smaller vessel proved to be leaky and turned back to this port, bring- ing her consort with her. The damaged one has gone back to London carrying a part of the people. The greater vessel now lies in the harbor awaiting favorable winds." "And you say it is bound for Northern Virginia?" Master Estep could keep quiet no longer and replied, "Captain Jones says he is under contract to land below the mouth of Hudson's River." "Know you this Captain Jones?" I asked hastily. Cafoalier Me in nglanb 45 "He is a good patron of the Anchor, and will surely be here shortly for his morning draught of ale." "Master Estep," I said earnestly, "If this Captain Jones comes early or late, send him up to me." Having made this arrangement with the innkeeper, my companion and I returned to the front parlor to wait for him. The earl at once endeavored to advise me against making this adventure, saying the savages would slay all of the company, and even escaping them, starvation would be its lot. To this I now quoted from the book of this same Captain John Smith. This book on America repeatedly came back to me and supplied me with weapons to wield against the earl's arguments. Seeing I was determined, likewise feeling the necessity of getting me out of England quickly, he ceased urging me. About ten by the clock we heard heavy footsteps on the stairs, followed by a loud rapping at the door. At our bidding, Master Estep stepped into the room, fol- lowed by a short, heavy set man with the winds of the sea blown into his face. I did not like his appearance as there was brutality about his ways which brooked ill for those under him. Master Estep shuffling with his feet said, "Captain Jones." The stranger responded with a low bow. Inviting him to be seated, we sent the innkeeper off about his ways. Being the interested party, I acted as speaker by saying, "Captain, it has come to me, that you are about to sail for Northern Virginia." "True, gentlemen," answered the seaman with some curiosity. 4 ije jFounbtng of a Station "One, Captain Smith, has written so boldly about that country, I fancy I would like to see it." The seaman pricked up his ears when I had gotten this far, and pushed himself forward until he was seated upon the edge of the chair. "Being of an adventurous nature," I continued, "I am desirous of going on this voyage to America." "You go to Virginia!" he exclaimed with surprise. "Surely, Master Captain, am I too old or too young?" "Nay, not your age, but your manner of living makes the new country impossible." This nettled me and I was even in anger as I ex- claimed, "What say you, Captain?" "My ship is under contract to a company, so that I can not take you." "Have you room for me aboard?" He shook his head answering, "The ship is so filled, that men, women, and children are packed away like fish in a quintal." "Perhaps, if I were to apply to the head colonists?" He gave me a queer look and smiled, answering, "They would make room for the devil, quicker than they would for you." Indignantly I thundered, "Why?" "They are Separatists from Leyden and London," he said with a sneer. My hopes fell, while the earl's face lighted up with a smile as he saw my plans tottering to the ground, knowing my contempt for these people. For a moment I was in truth stunned, then I began scheming to over- come the obstacles that confronted me. Though my dislike of these sectarians who ran away from their country to Holland was great, my love of adventure, Cabalier Htfe in Cnglanb 47 too, was so fixed within me that I was determined to overcome my hatred, if I could but once get aboard the vessel. While we three sat in silence confronting each other, a thought came to me, which I determined to test without delay. "Captain Jones," I said, "you have the roundhouse to yourself and mates, why not take me as a passenger on your own account. If I pay my way, purchase my own provisions, and grant a bounty in gold to you besides, is that not a fair bargain? Can the Separatists find fault if I live off the ship's supplies?" The itch for gold was as strong as I thought it was in the man's make-up. He scratched his head in a dull sort of way, as my proposition gradually came to him. Glancing again at my clothes and dainty rapier he an- swered, "The head colonists would never let you aboard the ship." Seeing my clothes were a stumbling block, I sug- gested that he smuggle me aboard after night, dressed as a common seaman. It was only after considerable arguing and coaxing that the captain consented to my plan and agreed to see me on board at the first oppor- tunity. As soon as we were rid of the seaman, we went down to the shore to view the ship. As we came to the water's edge a small boat filled with men landed near us. The earl looked at them and said, "There are your Separatist friends." "They are not friends of mine," I exclaimed indig- nantly at the same time turning my back upon them. From gazing at the ship we went along the shops that lined the quay to purchase a colonist's outfit. First I must have a gun, called a snap chance, which was the Jf ounfcing of a Station newest arm made, firing with flint and steel, instead of lighted cotton match. Though I had a strong broad sword, I bought another one in case my own should through misadventure be lost or broken. Lead in sheets for bullets, a keg of powder, a strong knife or two com- pleted my outfit. As we passed along the long line of prosperous shops I said, "This is a bit of Holland." It was indeed a town of commerce, for at every turn we would meet little wagons piled with merchandise, to which were hitched six or eight large dogs. The streets were so narrow horse-carts could not pass each other, the dogs at times blocking the way. Spanish loot, western fishing-vessels, and expeditions to America had made many Plymouth merchants independent of their class. Though they were not blessed with ancestors or estates, they possessed the means with which to make a brave show with their retinues of servants and followers. The rest of the day we spent on the preparations. Master Estep pointed out to us a party of Separatists from the ship, saying they were frequently seen about the streets, having formed friendships in Plymouth since their stay. I gave little heed to them, not expect- ing to have communication with them either off or on shipboard. Being a warm September evening, we fancied the air from off the sound would be cooling. Sauntering in the direction of the harbor, we could see the twinkling of the oil lanterns upon the colonists' ship. This set us to musing as to what sort of voyage I would have, how soon I would be back in England, and lastly would I like my fellow passengers. Soon tiring of this discus- sion, I suggested we return to the inn. Catmlier life in Cnglanb 49 Passing a narrow street we were startled by the clash- ing of swords and the cry of men in combat. Both of us hastened toward the scene of action, drawing our swords. Though there were no lights upon the street, the people were swinging candles and lanterns out of second story windows so that our way was fairly lighted. We could see the sparks flying from clashing swords and took it that it was a contest of more than usual in- terest. Coming up we found a little man with his back against the wall defending himself from the attack of two swordsmen. Beside the fighter was an unarmed companion, who was unable to participate in the fray, further than to encourage his comrade. He needed no urging, however, for though he was small in stature he thrust and parried so quickly I thought him the equal of his two opponents. As two against one is contrary to the laws of every country, I called to the little man to close in with the man nearest him, while I would take the other. He gave no heed to me but pushed his two assailants so hard one lost his footing in the muddy kennel, while the other ran away. The man who was down leaping to his feet quickly disappeared in the darkness. Though the danger was over, the little man stood with his sword in hand ready to renew the conflict. Seeing that his assailants had fled he turned to us and in a free and gallant manner said, "Comrades, you came in time." "Yes," I replied, "but they ran away before we could get at them." "The young popinjays," exclaimed the little man, "endeavored to force us from the wall into the mud of the kennel. The elder and I were on our way from a so jje jFounbing of a Station friend's house, where we had been entertained, to the ship, when two gallants attempted their kennel trick upon us. I have never given the wall to any man, the elder being without his sword, I could do no less than fight both of them." "You were doing it quite gallantly," said the earl. I thought as much though I kept silent. As we were going in the same direction, we volun- teered to lead the way. Coming to the broad street we stopped in front of a lighted lantern to bid our ac- quaintances a "Good night." The little man was a per- fect stranger to me, but the glance I caught of the taller man's face, caused me to shift my position. Under the rays of the lantern, much to my surprise, I saw him to be the Separatist who was with the maiden, who passed us on the street in Leyden, while we were under the spell of the cathedral. Embarkation Shortly after ten by the Dutch clock, which the earl carried in his waistcoat pocket, this same Tuesday night, September fifteenth, of the year sixteen hundred and twenty, there came a rapping at our door which made both of us wonder who the disturber might be. In the same breath we bade the interrupter enter. He proved to be Captain Jones who, expecting to be away from the comforts of an inn for some months, had stayed ashore this evening to enjoy the cups of Master Estep. Making a due obeisance, he said, "Your pardon, sirs, but the wind is blowing out of the northeast and bids fair to be a gale. By the break of day the ship sails." "When do we go aboard, captain?" I asked. "At once, sir! It will be after midnight now before we reach the vessel." "I am ready, Captain, though this is brief notice," I replied. Now that the time for my departure had arrived, I was not so keen to leave the earl. With an effort I put aside my sadness and laughingly said that I was off on a hunting trip and a journey of adventure, furthermore ; I would be back in "Merrie" England within a few months. The earl was not over sanguine of my return and was in doubt as to whether we would meet again. I brushed these misgivings aside lightly, declaring my only regret was that he was not going with me. For a moment I half persuaded him to join me, then he recov- 52 Qpfje jFotmbing of a Ration ered himself stoutly asserting the necessity of his stay- ing. Captain Jones remained with us while we were pack- ing my last chest. I endeavored to persuade him to take me aboard just as I was or, perhaps, in a suit of graver color, not fancying the rough clothes of a sailor. He would not change his method, however, declaring the head colonists were awake all hours of the day and night. I not only disliked the garb of a sailor, but I did not fancy sneaking aboard like a pirate. Again I pushed the point of my going in other clothes, but the captain would not listen to me. Since he was so determined I asked him for his seaman's clothes. They were easy garments to slip on, especially for one who was accus- tomed to take his time in dressing. My size and figure so agreed with what a seaman's should be, that the earl approved of me as I stood before him dressed and ready to go. Amidst many bowings and scrapings of Master Estep we left the inn, Captain Jones leading the way with a lighted lantern. My companion and I walked arm in arm in silence. We soon came to where the long boat was lashed to the docks. As the seamen prepared it, the earl and I stood on the timbers watching them. It was a more serious time with both of us than I had anticipated, as we stood in the presence of a parting, the outcome of which no man could foresee. When the time came for me to go down into the little boat I threw myself into my comrade's arms, affectionately embrac- ing him again and again. Taking my place I waved my hand, but my comrade had turned to conceal his feel- ings. Shouting cheerily to him, he answered. Again Cmtmrfeatton 53 I waved my hand. The lone figure on the dock sent back his silent message; but ere I could answer the night clouds descended, enshrouding the form of my friend and counsellor. The ship was tugging at its anchor chains as we came alongside. The northeast gale was dashing choppy seas against its oaken sides, the spray making us uncom- fortable in the boat. The captain held up his lantern, throwing weird shadows against the black hull. Then someone on deck held a light over our heads, dropping a frail rope ladder over the side. Captain Jones was first to mount the swaying ladder. I followed close behind. The sides of the vessel slant- ing in, I had great difficulty in gaining the deck. As I clambered over, the captain, who was awaiting me, gave me a hearty blow on the back, calling me a "land sailor," and bidding me follow him. I thought he was both rough and taking liberties with my person. Turning to go aft, of a sudden Captain Jones straight- ened up and said to some one whom I could not see in the darkness, "Master Carver, if this wind holds good we shall sail at daybreak." "Captain Jones," came a steady voice out of the shad- ows, "we have tarried far too long upon this vessel. Unless we sail soon the season will be past." "With the rising of Wednesday's sun," answered the captain, "we should be abroad on Plymouth Sound." "We are all anxious to be free of England," was the Separatist's reply. Though T could not see the speaker, his firm clear voice both pleased and surprised me, as I had expected a nasal whine. I would have liked the man, if he had not expressed such great desire to get away from his 54 torm at &ea 79 placed in the shade of the long boat with perfect in- difference. No doubt she would have laughed at my impudence in settling her fate in such an off-hand man- ner. Whether she was interested or not, so far as I was concerned, the Lady of Leyden was no more. The next few days showed the waiting-maid was fast regaining her health. As we were living in a small world I could not help but see this improvement, though I took but passing notice of her. One of the children called her by name but I failed to catch it. I turned in time to see her smile. After this the winds and the sea were in a gentle mood for several days; with every sail drawing taut under a moderate breeze, the ship keeling over ran before it, until the tired colonists began to think that an ocean voyage after all was not unpleasant. During these bright days I spent most of my time upon the quarter-deck away from the colonists who were busy cooking. Captain Jones was in good spirits as he saw an early landing and a quick return to Eng- land. I was in the same happy mood and was glad I had been so obstinate against the earl in my desire to go on this adventure. But these pleasant days came to an end. A dense mist settled down so that the captain could not see the sun to take readings. Then for days the wind and ocean assailed us from every quarter. Under bare poles the ship was driven before the tempest until Cap- tain Jones lost his reckoning completely, and sat sullenly in the roundhouse. When the waves were at the highest and the ship was being tossed like a cockle-shell, I asked the captain if he had been in the colonists' quarters, if so how they 8o f)e Jf ounbtng of a fared. He informed me at once that the vessel had been hired for the voyage; his sole business was to sail across to Virginia and back again as quickly as possible; adding with an oath that unless the foul weather ceased shortly the ship would bring up on the coast of Florida among the Spaniards instead of Virginia. Pressing him further, he said he had nothing to do with what the colonists ate, drank, or how they lived on board the ship. He informed me, however, that before leaving London the great cabin had been made over into a number of small rooms in which the women and children lived, while the men found quarters in the forecastle or between the low decks. He was of the opinion that no vessel had ever crossed the Atlantic with so many uncomfortable people. Later in the day, as I was sitting in the alcove hold- ing my chair to prevent being hurled across the floor, I saw a great wall of green water roll over the starboard bow and with a crushing weight fall upon the deck. The vessel settled rapidly. Mate Clark caught his breath, while I turned to him, feeling that our end had come. "We are sinking!" I shouted. "Not yet," answered the mate. "Think you it will outlive this tempest?" "We will soon know," he replied. With a roll the ship lifted heavily and like a dipper emptied the water from the deck. As the vessel lay on its side I held my breath expecting every moment that it would go on over, but with a struggle it finally righted. Mate Clark, as soon as he could, made his way on deck thence down into the hold. Between decks he came upon a deck-beam cracked and bent, threatening at >ea 81 to give away. Without revealing his discovery and impending danger, he hastened back to the roundhouse. From his face I knew there was something wrong. Seeing Captain Jones was not in, he hurriedly left the cabin hastening forward to the forecastle. Shortly I heard the boatswain's whistle calling men to quarters. Fearing the worst I made way to the door, determined to free myself from the wreckage of the roundhouse in case the vessel went down. Under the protection of the forecastle I saw Mate Clark, Captain Jones, and Mate Coppin in conference. Master Clark was pointing to the deck and I could see was explaining something to his superior officer. As they came in I heard Captain Jones shout, "What say you Clark, will she float long?" "She will never stand the weight of another wave like the last one," he replied. "You say the deck-beam is broken?" "In twain." With great agitation the captain exclaimed, "Then the deck is liable to be stove in under the next wave, breaking her in two." "Our only hope is to keep her head into the sea," answered the mate. I could only think of the women and children hope- lessly struggling amidst the waves and pitied them. Though I was alarmed I did not have personal fear of my safety. I knew that my end was certain were I once thrust into the sea and awaited my fate stoically. There was little consolation to be had from the cap- tain or his associates, who now went below to make a more thorough examination of the broken beam. They came back shortly, bringing with them the ship's car- 82 Cfje Jfounbmg of a penter. The situation seemed more hopeful when the carpenter assured the captain that the vessel would not go to pieces providing the storm abated. This was an uncertain promise, for the sky was heavy, with the clouds giving no sign of a break in the tempest. All day the wheelman kept the vessel headed into the sea, nursing it along to keep the weight of water off the broken beam. When night came on Mate Clark and Captain Jones stood watch. I sat in the alcove chair ready to render what assistance lay within my power, which would be but a trifle in the face of the treacherous sea. The next day the winds and waves moderated, in- creasing our hopes of safety. Another night and day of more or less anxiety and the sea once more took on its peaceful mien. The sorry colonists came upon deck, disconsolate and dejected. The family pots had been emptied several days, so that they had been living upon a diet of hard bread and beer, making them low in body and spirit. With the going down of the sea the colonists noticed the sailors were not so cheerful; furthermore the ship was not under full sail. Then the whispering of the seamen concerning the mishap got abroad. The first we knew of this was when Governor Carver and Masters Brewster, Bradford, and Edward Winslow came filing into the roundhouse. Captain Jones and I were sitting over a glass of wine at the time, unsuspect- ing the coming of the visitors. Captain Jones surmised what was in the air as soon as he saw their grave faces. Governor Carver acted as spokesman as usual, saying, "Captain Jones, it has come to us, that the ship has met with a mishap." at g>ea 83 At first the captain hesitated as if he was uncertain whether to admit the trouble or not, but finally making up his mind to speak truthfully replied, "Governor Carver, it is true the ship is unseaworthy." "Unseaworthy!" exclaimed the governor in astonish- ment. "I am fearful." Then Master Bradford spoke up, "Captain, what advise you?" The captain again faltered, undecided whether to play his part further or announce his thoughts at once. I saw him set his heavy jaws together and to my great surprise he exclaimed, "Return to England!" The colonists' faces became grave as they heard this verdict of the captain. Master Bradford broke the silence by saying, "All of our savings are in this voyage, we dare not turn back." This argument did not appeal to the captain who replied, "Once in an English port the broken beam can be replaced in any shipyard, but in a wilderness we can not make the repairs." It was evident to me now why the captain had not made known the danger before. He was awaiting the coming of ill weather, when he would reveal the broken beam, then turn back under stress of sheer necessity. The colonists, seeing that their plans were in jeopardy, departed to consult among themselves. In the afternoon the leaders again came back to talk with Captain Jones and his mates. There was much said on both sides. The colonists were determined to go on to Virginia, while the captain insisted on turning back. But no decision was reached. During the night the governor and his assistants had Jf ounfcing of a had various conferences with their associates upon Eng- land or Virginia, so that they came into the roundhouse the next morning with their heads set for the new country. Master Edward Winslow acted as spokesman, saying as he opened the conference, "Captain Jones, we have come too far and endured too much to give up this voyage. If we return to England, the London mer- chants will refuse to supply us with provisions for another voyage. As to ourselves all we have is in this vessel. Come what will, w r e must push forward or perish in the attempt." Captain Jones was not willing to give up his conten- tion but replied hotly, "Are you shipwrights? Can you repair this ship in mid-ocean?" The colonists not answering the captain went on, "Can you pick seasoned timber from the wilderness? True, when you reach the shore you will be content; but as for me and my men, we must still make our way back across the sea." As the captain urged his point, I saw the determined look on the faces of the men turn to one of doubt. In justice to the captain and his sailors, they began to hesi- tate. At this juncture when the fate of the voyage hung in the balance, the door opened and the ship's carpenter entered. Master Bradford who was still seeking a way out of the difficulty turned to the car- penter and said, "Master Carpenter, what say you, can the beam be mended?" "Not in mid-ocean," was the prompt reply. Master Bradford not to be denied persisted, "Can you hold it together for a time?" at g>ea 85 "Surely, if the ends of the beam could be forced to- gether and held, it would be as good as new." Though the colonists felt the danger of the seamen, still they were not willing to abandon their enterprise, until all means of making the repair had been exhausted. The carpenter's talk encouraged them somewhat; so they again excused themselves with the destination still unsettled. Governor Carver and his associates were gone but a short time, when I was astonished at seeing him enter the roundhouse alone. I endeavored to read from his countenance whether he was the bearer of good or ill news, but his face did not reveal his message. By this time the captain was impatient at the willfulness of his passengers, considering his voyage back to England was being delayed by their stubbornness. Without waiting for the governor to speak he asked, "Well! Are you now ready to turn back, or do you wish me to take this ship to Virginia and leave it there?" "Not so, Captain Jones," replied the dignified old man. "Then let me hasten toward England and safety. Two days we have been talking, now, Master Carver, I propose to bring this matter to an end." The captain pushed his chair back from the table and started to arise, to go forth to give the command that would have made an end to the voyage. The colonist put forth his hand and stopped him. With a steady voice he said, "Not so fast, Captain Jones. We have struck upon a plan that will carry the ship safely to the end of the voyage." 86 Wfje Jf ounbing of a Station He spoke so confidently that Captain Jones did not rise. I was all impatience to hear how the marvel was to be worked upon the broken backed ship, and moved forward on my chair in my anxiety to catch the speak- er's plan. Calmly he spoke, "Francis Eaton, a carpenter of our Leyden Company, hath a great jack-screw amongst his tools. He now suggests that the broken beam be forced back in position and held by stout props, thus making the ship whole as before." Master Carver, having delivered his message, stood waiting for the captain's reply. The mariner having determined to go back to England was disturbed what answer to make and sat pulling his finger joints like a schoolboy. As soon as he could get his brain to work he said obstinately, "Master Carver I am fearful of your method of mending the beam. To landsmen it may seem right enough to patch up a house, but holding a vessel together is entirely another matter." "Holding a vessel up, Master Jones," suggested the colonist. "Nay, together," insisted the belligerent Jones, "fur- thermore, Master Carver my first duty is to the owners of the vessel, and not to you who hired it." With this the captain hastily rose to his feet. Master Carver, dignified and patient, again held forth his hand bidding the captain hear him out. Look- ing the master of the ship straight in the eye he very determinedly said, "Captain Jones, it is no intention of ours to have you risk unnecessarily the safety of your ship and your men's lives; an hour ago we had about decided to accept your plan of returning to England, but now after duly considering the case we think the fetorm at S>ea 87 vessel can be made whole." Without another word Master Carver turned and left us. My tongue coming to me first, I said, "Captain, I think we will go to Northern Virginia." Rather decently he replied, "I fear it is too true." I knew full well from the moment the old Separatist had issued his ultimatum, that we would see the wilder- ness of America before we would England. Captain Jones might bluster and fume at his sailors, but when he matched himself with these silent and willful men, he was hopelessly beaten. I could not help but admire the Separatists, for hav- ing made up their minds at one time to return in order to protect Captain Jones and his crew, thus bidding farewell to their hopes and prospects in the new world. I am content to believe that it was the jack-screw that sent them on their way; but for that tool they would not have reached that part of Virginia, which Captain John Smith had already called New England. All things came to pass as Master Carver stated in his interview with Captain Jones. Francis Eaton, the carpenter, pulling his jack-screw out of the hold, fixed it on top of a pile of blocks under the broken beam. With a few turns of the screw the broken ends were forced into position, two strong timbers acted as props to hold it in place, and the ship was once more sound, and on her way to Virginia as Master Carver had prophesied. If it lay in my power to act as heralder and design a coat of arms for this new colony, I should emblazon a jack-screw in the center, making the other quarters conform to it. jUatb of The sailors were rough and hardy men, with the winds of the sea blown into their faces, also much viciousness of the land. To control such a crew, re- quired a captain who was mostly pirate, flavored with Christian instincts. For the most part the seamen sailed unknown seas, and explored lands where there was no law, except what the master himself made, declared, and enforced. These laws changed to suit the conven- ience of each master, so what was proper on one voyage would be wrong on another. The result was, that the only rights a sailor had were the ones he fought for; thus mutiny existed in a mild form on nearly every ves- sel, whether at home or abroad. Captain Jones was one of the sort who thought a command should be promptly followed by a kick well located and soundly given. His crew quarreled, fought, and swore on the least provocation, took the cuffs of the captain with a growl and went about their tasks. So long as they were on the sea the sailors were slaves driven by the master under threats of the use of a belay- ing pin or a cat-o-nine-tail, the hissing of which was familiar to everyone of the scarred faced crew. One of the seamen, a brutal fellow, took particular delight in taunting the Separatists, telling them that he hoped to have the pleasure of throwing them into the sea, when he would make merry with their provisions and live in plenty. Others of the crew did likewise 90 itye Jf ounfcing of a casting slurs and contemptuous remarks upon the wo- men and children. As I was walking on deck one day, the waiting-maid, who was now well recovered, was quietly seated at her sewing. One of the sailors without cause, began abus- ing her with foul language. For a moment she sat stunned by the assault, then looked helplessly towards me. I was aflame in a moment and rushed to her rescue. The sailor hearing me, turned. I rushed at him, striking him a glancing blow on the neck. Giving him no time to think, I seized him by the throat forcing him backwards across the deck over the side of the ship. Slowly I bent him across the bulwark in spite of his struggles until w r e were both more than half overboard. Though the seaman struggled to release himself, I held him so firmly he could not break away. With my face close to his, I made the young villain promise he would never speak insultingly again to any of the wo- men or children. He went off growling, while I turned to assure the waiting-maid that she would not be bothered by the insults of this seaman again. She looked up into my face with a smile of confi- dence, which made me glad to be her champion. I stammered out something, while she in a voice of gentle- ness thanked me for my protection. Though I was in her presence but a moment, her spirit, as shown through her eyes, was not that of a lowly character. During my contest with the sailor, she had dropped her ball of linen, which now lay across my pathway. Unconscious of the thread I started back to the cabin when I heard her give a little cry, at the same time call- ing, "Oh! please, please, sir!" of Hefcen 9 1 I turned around to see a long line of white thread following after me along the deck. Hastily disengag- ing my foot, I stooped over, picked up the ball and be- gan rolling it up. When I came to her, she very demurely said, "Your pardon, but I could not speak your name." "Francis Beaumont," I replied. Then with surpass- ing impudence I added, "Pray what is yours?" "Lora Brewster," she replied looking down at her needle work. "Lora Brewster! Lora Brewster!" I repeated in as- tonishment. "Lora Brewster, daughter of Elder William Brew- ster, of the Church of Leyden," she said quite proudly. Then like a big ninny, I exclaimed, "And you are not Mistress Carver's waiting-maid?" She looked at me until my cheeks turned red, quietly remarking, "Master Beaumont, why such a question?" I made no sensible answer, excusing myself as best I could, I hurried back to the roundhouse. Fortunately no one was in the cabin to see my confu- sion. Once settled in my chair in the alcove, I began repeating her name, "Lora Brewster, Lora Brewster." Not gaining relief from this diversion, I fell to compar- ing this simple maiden with the other grand ladies of my acquaintance. The vision of Lady Arabella Stuart still dwelt in my mind. I could see her arrayed in her silks and satins, her well rounded arms coming forth from short ruffled sleeves, the jeweled girdle around her waist, and even the flowers at her left shoulder. Within her flaxen locks she usually wore a circlet of gold, while her neck was caressed by folds of delicate lace. As I re- 92 1 8 1 told then that the lilac was Captain Standish's favorite flower, so that Mistress Rose's devotion to this plant was likewise her devotion to him. Captain Jones was cross and evil dispositioned over the slowness with which the shallop was being repaired, although the colonists were doing their utmost. Ho made little allowance for the cold and the awkwardness of doing ship's carpenters work in the wilderness. After three or four days of wrath, he finally sent his own car- penter to aid the colonists, as he was anxious to start on his way to England. The common sailors joined in this discontent at stopping so long, telling the colonists to their faces that they would soon be set ashore. This word coming to the ears of Governor Carver he very promptly called upon Captain Jones in the round- house. I happened to be present, and I thought the gray haired leader looked grieved and care-worn under his responsibilities, but he was still gracious in his man- ner as he said, "Captain Jones it has come to me that you are anxious to get away for England." ; 'Tis true," was the captain's curt reply. "It is our desire to hasten your return, but before you leave us we must have a suitable place to establish our- selves." "But, Master Carver, we can not tarry here while you seek out a proper place, our meat is low, and our beer has already fallen short, causing my sailors to grumble." Quite shrewdly the gray haired governor answered the captain's impatience by saying, "Captain Jones, since you feel that we do not make haste, will you command the shallop on our next discovery?" The captain's beadlike eyes sparkled as he quickly said, "I will go with you, as you say." 1 82 gfjje Jfounfcutg of a Ration "It is now the twenty-second of November, I fancy the shallop will be in condition shortly before the first of December, then we shall lose no time in going." With this explanation of his hopes, and the appoint- ment of the captain as the commander of the next expe- dition, the governor left the roundhouse. Knowing what was on foot, and being tired of my narrow quarters, I once more besought Captain Stan- dish, that I might be one of his party. I did not care to take orders from Captain Jones, preferring to set my- self under the command of a military leader. There was no trouble on this score, Captain Standish did not hesitate but assured me a place any time I cared to go with him. This readiness of the colonists to welcome me gave me the conceit that I had at least gained their admiration if not their confidence. I found winning the respect of the men colonists was an easy task compared to gaining the good will of will- ful Mistress Lora, who was now so shy of my attention, that she would not walk on deck at the same time I did. Once I forced a brace of mallards upon her, but before reaching the door of the roundhouse she gave them away, so that I did not care to try it again. On this same day of the interview between Governor Carver and Captain Jones, I came upon the maiden speaking with Captain Standish, so that she could not run away from me. As I came up the captain said, "Mistress Lora, Mas- ter Beaumont has already joined our next expedition." "Indeed!" exclaimed the maiden in surprise. "Truly," I broke in, "since I would know the coun- try, the animals, the wild savages, and see where you would settle." EXPEDITION FOR SECOND DISCOVERY Monday, Tuesday, Wedndsday, Thursday, November, 27, 28, 29, 30, O. S. 1620. The party consisted of 24 pilgrims and 10 sailors all under com- mand of Captain Jones of the Mayflower. Owing to rough weather the party was divided, part staying in the shallop, the remainder walked along the shore. Party In shallop :> o- Party on shore Waded through the cold, surf ge of the Shallop night of snow tje aeconb Cxpebttton of t&oberp i 8$ Then the captain, giving me a queer look, said, "Mas- ter Beaumont, you took to the ways of the forest so well upon our first discovery, I fancy you have already a lik- ing for this new country." "Nay, captain," I replied, "I care more for England than this wilderness." Shortly the captain left us alone, and to prevent Mis- tress Lora from going likewise, I asked her quickly what she did with my stick of yellow and blue corn. To this she sedately replied, "It is amongst our garden seeds." "But those belong to the colonists, whilst I gave the corn to you." "Truly, you would have me plant the seed?" she ask- ed in surprise. "In your own garden and not in the common field," I explained to her. After this exchange of words I saw Mistress Lora several times upon the deck, even gaining her confidence long enough to ask after the many sick people who were hoping for an early relief ashore. On the third of De- cember, I said to the maiden, "On the morrow the shal- lop will be ready and we start on the second discovery." Looking up into the sky she answered sympathetical- ly, "I am fearful you will be both cold and hungry, ere you return." Later on I went ashore and found the shallop only partially completed. Governor Carver being close by, I said, "The shallop will not be ready on the morrow." "We dare not tarry longer, Master Beaumont, and must take the boat even though it is not whole," he re- plied. 86 (Ejje Jfounfcing of a Jlation "Then you will trust yourself in it, in its present con- dition?" ' "We must," replied the governor. The same evening the shallop was launched and brought alongside. There was considerable excitement on board the vessel, all the men being anxious to go on the voyage. Though we had come away from the first trip poorly, still that was mainly due to our toiling through the sands ; now that the journey was to be made by sea, there were many volunteers. Everyone was busy with the cleaning of muskets, preparing food, and the gathering of sleeping-rugs. The morning of November twenty-seventh was cold with a gale blowing across the harbor. With this un- toward greeting of the elements, I hastened back into the roundhouse advising Captain Jones to take along his sleeping-rug and an extra flask of aqua vitae. For myself I decided to leave off my steel bonnet, taking on- ly my front and back plates and putting on an extra coat for warmth. The ship was rolling heavily when I came on deck the second time, being greeted with a cold blast of wind, I was half a mind to abandon the adven- ture. Some of the men were of the same opinion and stood shrugging their shoulders, as if they would at least like to postpone the starting until another day. But the leaders would not listen to a change of their plans, since they were fearful that Captain Jones was likely to set them ashore. As they bade their followers make ready, I thought that only men driven by dire necessity, would go abroad in such weather. Governor Carver, Master Bradford, and the others stood unshaken on the cold deck. Captain Jones was equally as resolute, as he was anxious to rid the vessel of seconfc Cxpebttton of JDitfcotoerp 187 the colonists. With the men shivering from the cold, and the leaders encouraging them to their tasks, twenty- four colonists and two seamen were finally made ready to go. Captain Jones, after taking a look at the weather, hesitated in sending the men down into the shallop, which was swinging heavily in the wash of the ship. The seaman advised the governor that the craft would not carry all the party. Governor Carver, not to be de- nied even by the elements, promptly told the captain to take what men he could in the shallop while he would lead a second party along the beach. The governor and Captain Jones having agreed to di- vide the party, the men were sent over the side, and the little craft pushed off. Deciding to cast my lot with the party going along the beach, I stood on the deck watch- ing the shallop struggling in the seas. The other men were not anxious to start until they saw how their com- rades fared. When the sailors brought the long boat, which was to take us ashore, they were swearing at the colonists for compelling them to be abroad in such in- decent weather, managing the boat so stupidly, I came near falling into the sea. This so angered me, I picked up a boat-hook and threatened to break a head or two if they continued their tricks, with the result the party was soon safely aboard. Happening to glance up I saw Mistress Lora's eyes fixed upon me in curious wonder- ment. I tried to win a smile from her but she turned her glances upon her father instead. On the deck of the vessel the wind had a taste of win- ter to it, but down in the boat, with the spray blowing into my face, it whipped like a knife cut. Before we reached the beach my armor showed rust and my stock- Jf ounbing of a Ration ings were wet by the spray. Though we were uncom- fortable in the boat, we were made doubly so by being compelled to leap into the breakers and wade ashore. The sea was to our knees, but the waves dashed upon us until we were wet above our thighs. Coming onto the beach with the salt water dripping from my clothes, and my fingers blue with cold, I could not help but again feel that the colonists were driven by a cruel necessity to endure such hardships ; furthermore, it was a piece of foolishness for me to be with them. The sand was as perplexing as ever, but our party was the choicest spirits of the colonists, so that we pushed ahead without complaint. The shallop followed in the distance dancing on the waves, making me glad that I had ground beneath my feet, though it was almost as un- stable as the sea. Before we had passed the first league the clouds, which had been hanging low, began sifting down flakes of snow. We drew our cloaks over our guns to keep the priming dry and the matches alive. The few gentle snowflakes soon multiplied until the heavens over our heads, the sea, and even the neighbor- ing forests were hidden. The driving winds blew the snow into our faces, causing us to follow closely after each other for fear of straying away in the storm. We pushed our way through the blinding storm, setting our heads low and surging forward against the riotous winds. On the one side we could hear the thunder of the surf upon the beach, and on the other the rushing of the tempest through the pines. Between these was our path on the wind swept beach, open and unprotected. Hoping for relief the captain led us into the forests, but the trees, which should have sheltered us, showered loose snow down upon our heads, driving us out again. geconb Cxpebttton of Bfecoberp 189 The shallop of course was lost to view so that the gov- ernor was growing worried about it, when we heard voices in the veil of snow. They were our own men but where they were we could not tell, until we came full upon the shallop riding safely in a little harbor. Clam- bering aboard, we were glad to rest even though seated in the snow. Governor Carver had no mind of tarry- ing, hoping that the snow was but a flurry and would soon pass. Instructing Captain Jones to follow as soon as possible, he struck off through the storm in search of the river. As the governor thought, the snow soon ceased giving us a clear view of our surroundings. We made fairly good headway and were satisfied with our conditions. This respite was short for the snow soon began falling again enshrouding us within its folds, shutting out the landscape and sea. With a steadfastness of spirit the colonists refused to turn back but strove on towards their goal. As the night came on, we dragged ourselves along the wet beach through the blinding snow, sadly wishing for even the protection of the foul smelling ship, or even the snow covered shallop. The steel caps grew like pieces of ice, so that some took them off marching through the storm, with the melted snow trickling down their faces. Though the men endeavored to protect their guns be- neath their besotted cloaks, they soon gave it up, and marched with them exposed showing the blackened and wet end of the matches. We were finally driven from the beach into the for- ests to make our rendezvous as best we could. The axes were in the boat, likewise the sleeping-rugs and the water. To push on to the river was impossible. Even 190 gtfje Jf ounfcing of a if we could gain that point we were in doubt whether we would find the shallop. Those, who had the strength, searched through the woods for fallen brush with which to build a fire to keep alive their feeble com- rades. Captain Standish, finding a rotten log, with his cutlass picked out splinters of dry wood. The call for flint, steel, and touch-wood brought all these to hand. While one of the men knelt in the snow to strike the fire, the others stood around shivering and hoping he would succeed quickly. The soft tinder was placed on cross sticks, while a cloak was held over the man with steel and flint to ward off the winds. Once, twice, he struck fire, each time we were expecting to see the little curl of flax smoke rise from beneath the cloak. Finally the man arose say- ing, the tinder was wet and would not catch. Another one tried and failed. Master Bradford throwing down an armful of branches made ready his steel and flint. Feeling it was a matter of life and death to start a fire, one held his wet cloak over him, another man wiped out his steel cap and placed the flax tinder within it, while he knelt in the snow. Slowly Master Bradford drew back the steel, then with a quick jerk struck the flint. A spark fell into the flax, hung for a moment then ex- pired. A second, third, fourth, and I know not how many sparks fell from the stone but none held. Finally tired of his effort Master Bradford arose from the snow. The men turned away without so much as speaking, con- fronted by the anguish of spending a shelterless night in the freezing storm. Now that it was evident that we were not to be cheer- ed by the light and heat of a camp-fire, the weary men began casting about for resting-places. The oaks and tfffje geconfe Cxpebition of Dtscoberp birches with their bare branches offered little consola- tion. Then someone sought the protection of a low growing pine, calling out from beneath its branches that the interlacing needles gave protection from the falling snow. With this advice the rest sought the pine shrubs. Even in this extremity, the generosity of the colonists showed forth, for as a man would find a tree that was larger and dryer than the others, he would call loudly to his comrades to come and share his cold covering. As the last rays of light died out and the blackness of night shut in the forests, we sat cold, wet, and freezing beneath the pines. I was reaching for a piece of ship's bread, when I heard the wavering notes of a song, which soon grew into a psalm of David. From beneath the pines others joined in the melody, carrying the volume of their wor- ship above the roar of the winds. Then there was a lull and out of the darkness came a voice of prayer a man giving thanks for his crosses. When he said his "Amen," the rush of the tempest once more filled the forests, leaving us cold and cheerless. Master Winslow and I shared our pine tree with one of the commonality. This man had been out on the first journey and had not fully recovered from its rigors and like the rest of us had been marching in wet clothes most of the day. His feebleness aroused my sympathy, but I was unable to relieve it farther than giving him of my food and drink. It was only by the greatest exer- tion that Master Winslow and I succeeded in getting him under our tree. Once there, feeling around in the dark, we gathered together a few dry leaves to make a bed for him. The icy blasts swept through the pines searching the 192 fje Jfounbmg of a Ration remotest corners of our shelter, so that we were lying in misery. The sting of the cold drove myriads of prick- lings into my flesh, drawing out the warmth of the blood with excruciating pain, until I thought I felt the needles of ice forming in my veins. Like one of the great snakes of Ethiopia the frost wound me within its coils, squeez- ing muscles and bones beneath its weight. Though I knew the ice wind's breath and was conscious of it, I was helpless to combat it. Half alive and half dead, the creeping ice chilled our blood and froze our flesh until our minds were filled with hopeless anguish and our bodies racked beyond moving. While the frost was slowly freezing the most robust, it was making sad havoc with the colonist under our pine tree. At first he complained bitterly, but as the icy fingers of the frost clutched him tighter and tighter, he became so numb he could not speak. We stood it for a time, then more dead than alive, we dragged ourselves out from beneath the pine, hauling our weaker com- rade with us. He plead for us to let him lie down in the snow to rest. Knowing that he was freezing, we gave him a draught from my flask and began walking him back and forth in the snow. Master Bradford and Captain Standish coming from their shelter advised with us. It required the effort of two of us now to keep the man on his feet, by our walk- ing we made a well beaten path in the snow and at the same time brought warmth to our own bodies. When resting from toiling over our man, I went from tree to tree to see how the rest did and found them in a miser- able condition suffering from the cold and exposure. Though my supply of rusks was meagre and my brandy flask small, I made both go as far as I could, reserving a mite for our half frozen comrade. tfeconb Cxpebttton of Btecoberp 193 The sufferings of this night, as I felt the chill of the north winds creeping into my flesh and blood, are past my telling. Struggle as I would the icy numbness seemed to fix its touch upon me, until I would gladly have laid down in the snow to end my miseries in an endless sleep. But my instincts kept me on my feet fighting off the cold and its rigors. The first rays of the coming day found us walking our weak comrade in the snow thankful that we were all alive. Though it has been my misfortune to have been uncomfortable at other times in my life, I am free to say, I have never been so utterly miserable as during this wild night in the snow in the New England forest. Its horrors were never forgotten by those who endured them, and its ravages sent many of the colonists to an early grave. The snow was upward of a foot deep, when the men one by one with their clothes frozen to their armor dragged themselves from beneath the trees. Standing around in the snow I could hardly recognize them as the men who left the ship barely four and twenty hours before. Their eyes were blood shot and faces so hag- gard from the night's exposure, many seemed ready to fall from weakness. Though the snow had stopped and the tempest had ceased there was little comfort for us even in the daylight. Brooms of pine boughs were used to sweep off a log, so that the weaker ones might sit while they nibbled at their bread. The water supply being in the shallop, the dry food stuck in their throats until it was moistened with a little snow. While we were breakfasting in this fashion a wolf came out of the deep woods and circled around us look- ing as disconsolate as we felt. Soon the brute was join- 194 flflfje Jfounbing of a Ration ed by another and another until a band of the animals were seated on their haunches, just out of gunshot. The whole scene was so uncanny I endeavored to have a shot at them, but my snap chance would not fire. So through our breakfast of frozen bread and cheese we were con- tent to let them watch us, being too weak to drive them away. After the cold repast, we made our way through the snow to the beach to look for the shallop. The break- ers were rolling high upon the sands, and the sea was stirred with white capped waves, so that we questioned whether the little craft would venture forth. By ten o'clock the sea had subsided somewhat. As the boat did not appear it was decided to send two of the party back to the little creek, where we had left it the day be- fore. We had barely gone a mile when we saw off at sea a black speck dancing on top of the waves. Master Wins- low caught it first and pointed it out, saying it was the shallop. We waited patiently until we could distin- guish the men and the boat. As the shallop came oppo- site us, we shouted and waved our cloaks, until Captain Jones seeing us turned the prow towards the beach. It was evident that the shallop could not come close in so as to permit us to get aboard without wading through the surf. I confess I drew back from entering the sea, for when your flesh is chilled and your mind is filled with anguish from the cold, an ice bath is not an acceptable addition to your misery. The weaker mem- bers of the party stood looking at the shallop, then at the sea, never offering to move. Captain Jones, who had spent a bad night in the shallop, seeing the situation, waved to us to come on but the men steadfastly refused 3Dbe tfeconb Cxpebttton of JBtscotop 195 to stir. In fact many turned their backs to the sea and would have reentered the forests, had we not detained them. It was Captain Standish who suggested that six of the strongest take their weaker comrades on their backs carrying them through the surf to the shallop. It fell to my lot to be one of the beasts of burden. The water was stinging cold. I had trouble keeping my man out of the sea, and it was only by sacrificing my own com- fort that I finally succeeded in getting him dry into the boat. One journey was all I cared to make, in fact all that any man in full strength could have endured. Both of us were hauled into the boat more dead than alive. Once within the shallop we wrapped ourselves in the heavy sleeping-rugs and lay in the bottom of the boat. Though we were in a sad plight, the governor refused to turn back to the ship, commanding Captain Jones to go to the river. Before reaching our destination most of the men were dry and warm, but the six feeble ones could not stir from their rugs. A drink of water, a bite of cold meat, and a little rest refreshed the able-bodied men somewhat ere the boat reached the intake of the sea, visited on the first discovery. We soon found that the harbor was too shallow for ships, though it was ample for fishing-shallops. These observations made, it was decided to land and once more look at the ground. Captain Jones going with the party. Only the able men were set ashore and for once landed with dry clothes. I was ready for the journey, going with the party as it trudged off through the ice and snow. We marched all the afternoon through the deep snow, up steep hills and along narrow valleys, without 196 f)e jfountJtng of a JJatton coming upon a sign of a savage habitation. Captain Jones was desirous of taking up his lodging early, though the rest were for going on with the search. As a matter of fact he began to think, that the finding of a suitable place to settle in the winter-time after all was not such an easy task as it appeared, when he was sitting warm and snug in his own cabin. Though he was anx- ious to have the colonists out of the ship, still walking through the cold, hours at a time had too many discom- forts for him to endure long. This night the tinder was dry, though we had some difficulty in striking fire, we soon had a blaze going merrily. Crowding around it for the first time in six and thirty hours we were really comfortable. Rolling two fallen logs together, we set fire between them so that we were assured of its warmth for the night. Gathered around the fire the next morning the colo- nists first decided that neither the harbor nor the coun- try, was fit for settlement. Masters Bradford and Hop- kins like careful farmers, then advised the securing of the corn which we had left on the first journey, and carrying it all back to the ship for seed at the next plant- ing season. The fields being across the creek, we were compelled to follow the stream down to where the sav- age's canoe was lying on the bank. Finding it in good order, I lifted it with one hand and wondered that any- one could be so foolish, as to risk his life to its frailty. There were two oars in the boat so we launched it in the stream. Remembering the experience of John Billing- ton, on our first journey when he was thrown headlong into the water, we were shy of entering, until Master Hopkins showed us how to dc so, by stepping into the center, then stooping quickly but steadily. seconb Cxpetutton of 3Di3cotoen> 197 Once across we struck a path, which we followed with some trouble as the snow had almost filled it. The pile of corn we found was a rounding mound beneath the smooth white coating. Under this blanket of frost the earth was stiff making hard work for our cutlasses, but after some labor we rescued the grain, lifting it from its retreat in its wicker basket. This we left standing in the snow while we went on to the next fields, where, visiting two other clearings, we found corn, some loose and some still clinging to its sticks, all in good condition. This we gathered until we had burdened ourselves with about ten bushels of grain. Both Master Bradford and Stephen Hopkins being satisfied that ample stock had been secured for seeding, we ceased further search. It was well that the leaders came to this judgment for the ground was so frozen, that the cutlasses made little impression upon it. Lacking spades and mattocks, all we could do was to make holes in the ground with our short swords, and by inserting ends of saplings into them raise the hard earth in sheets. I could not help but think that if we had not made the first journey when the snow was off the ground, we would never have dis- covered the seed corn; so that after all it did seem that some kind Providence had directed the colonists to the fields, when they were free and the corn mounds stood forth boldly so that they could be easily seen and the dirt was fit for handling. Captain Jones was not interested so much in the search for corn as he was in finding a place of settle- ment; so that when the colonists abandoned all hope of establishing themselves on this spot, the seaman began to lose heart in the expedition. Besides he had passed 198 jje jfounbing of a Ration one uncomfortable night in the shallop and another in the snow, so that he was ready to go back to the vessel. Governor Carver being made of sterner stuff was not ready to return, and as the weather had moderated, we could travel with some comfort. The master mariner looking up into the heavens from time to time, prophesying a coming storm, sug- gested that he return to the ship with the sick and the seed corn. The leaders agreed to this and at once took up their journey back to the shallop. It was decided that only the feeble were to return, leaving the rest to explore the country. Captain Jones agreed to come back the next day with the shallop. Having settled these points he hoisted sail and went out of the harbor with a favorable wind, never looking back, so glad was he to be shipward bound. Once more plunging into the wilderness, we walked along strange paths without discovering a sign of the savages, until the light of day failed us. Our rendez- vous was cheered by a bright fire, so that we were fairly comfortable lying on the brush beds. We were up early and off down a well beaten path which we had seen the night before. This track was so broad, that Captain Standish made us keep our mus- kets in readiness, thinking that it would lead into a savage village. Seeing the bright sky of a clearing ahead, a conference was held, at which it was decided that Captain Standish was to lead us boldly into the village. Cautiously and anxiously following the track we came into an opening filled with stakes driven into the ground, which we knew at once was the end of a deer drive. Again were we astonished, since we con- ceived that the savages hunted their game singly, not seconb Cxpebition of JDiscoberp 199 concerting together for the killing of many deer at once. At times we were prone to make light of the savages, but when we ran across evidences of their in- telligence, such as the signal pile of wood upon the high hill at Cape Cod, the rope trap for deer, the art- ful birchen boat, and now this deer drive, we began to doubt ourselves, likewise, to see some shrewdness in them. Discovering another path we followed it for five or six miles. Not finding signs of savages, we crossed into a valley to return. There we found a great mound. Being different from any we had seen, we de- cided to open it. First we removed the boards that covered the earth, beneath which we found mats, bowls, trays, dishes, and other trinkets, all well and delicately made. After much labor we came upon a large and a small bundle, from which came a peculiar odor. Hesi- tating for some time whether to unfasten them or not, our curiosity finally overcame our caution. The larger one was done up within a sailor's canvas blouse ; unfold- ing it we were astonished to find a mass of red powder as fine as wheat flour, in which were the bones of a man with locks of yellow hair. Master Hopkins, who was authority on all matters concerning the savages, said that the remains must be that of a European, since he had never seen or heard of a native with other than black coarse hair. This caused us to stand around and muse whether we were beholding the relics of a tragedy or romance, whether the man's end was peaceful or turbulent. Examining the smaller bundle, we found the same soft red powder and the bones of a savage child with coarse black hair. This perplexed us, and caused me to 200 tClje Jfounbtng of a Ration think that perhaps the European had found favor with a wild princess, such as saved the life of Captain John Smith in Virginia, and at his death he had been en- tombed with one of his own children. Many times this day and afterwards we discussed the man with the yel- low hair, but our guesses always ended in confusion. Some of the trinkets we took away to show how the wild people wove from the barks of trees and reeds from the ponds. After closing the barrow of the man and the boy we made our way without stopping, back to the mouth of the creek where we found the shallop await- ing our return. The occupants of the boat were greatly surprised and excited over the discovery made by two of the sailors, who had been hunting ducks ashore. It seemed that they had hardly left the banks of the stream, when they came upon two houses belonging to the savages. As soon as the governor heard the seamen's story, he at once organized a party to visit the huts. The toils of the past two days had so worn our party that only seven volunteered to go. With the two sailors as our guides, we came up to the huts. Though there were no indications of their being occupied we advanced with arms ready for use. The details we did not see until after we were assured that the huts were not in- deed possessed of owners. Now that we could observe their constructions leisurely, we saw that the savages worked as ingeniously in their house building as they did in the making of their domestic utensils. For here we found a house made without stone, brick, or mortar, and bound together without pegs or nails, still withall it would face the fiercest storm. After looking at the exterior, the men entered hastily gathering from the walls wooden bowls, trays, and *econb Cxpebttion of Bfecoberp 201 earthen pots. I happened on a curious basket made of the shells of crabs, bound together in an ingenious man- ner, filled with tiny black seeds, which were as fine as grains of powder emitting a peculiar odor. There were other baskets woven deftly from reeds and rushes, but none so quaint as the one I happened upon. The time being limited, we did not tarry. Taking the trinkets and guns in hand, we pushed our way out through the low opening, replacing the mat over the en- trance. Next to the hut we found a store of grasses, rushes, and reeds used in the making of the woven things. I took a handful of these to carry back to England. With the wind coming out of the northwest, we set sail for Cape Cod. On the way I called the attention of Master Stephen Hopkins to my quaint basket and the tiny black seed. As he ran his fingers down among them, he said they were seeds of the tobacco plant, out of which the Virginia colony was now reaping great profit. It was late in the afternoon when we approached the ship. While we were some distance away, a volley was fired from the muskets, calling attention to our coming. There was the usual excitement among the women and children, as they peered over the railing of the vessel down into the shallop to see if all the party had re- turned. Clambering up the side of the ship we were soon on deck. There interest was centered at once in the woven baskets and trinkets which we had brought back from the grave and huts of the savages. I showed my basket and seeds to any who cared to see them. Weary and tired I went back to the roundhouse, glad that the days of cold and privation were at an end. tfjtrb Cxpebitton of istoberp Once within the warmth of the cabin I made haste to my sleeping-rugs, nestled in between them, I fell into a deep sleep, from which Captain Jones awakened me the next afternoon. I was still weary and after a warm drink and a couple of Spanish rusks once more slum- bered not to awake fully until the following morning. So in six and thirty hours, rest had restored the strength that had been wasted during the night of sleet and snow in the forests and the two days tramping through the snow. While I was sleeping and taking my ease, the colon- ists were awake and working. The shallop, which was only half repaired, was again dragged ashore where the carpenters plied themselves to making it whole. Those who could not work on the shallop, labored in the saw- pit, cutting boards, or else in the forest, chopping down and dragging trees to the pit. Many of the men who were on the last discovery were unable to move, owing to fever and coughs. The ship at its best was never warm; in the daytime it was cold enough, but at night the chill that entered the cabins made them uncomfort- ably cold. The day of my waking from my long sleep was on the morning of December second. The colonists had been at anchor in Cape Cod Bay for three weeks, most of which time they were on their voyages of discovery or were preparing for them. Captain Jones, who had 204 Wqt jf ountung of a Station returned from his adventures ashore with different ideas of the ease with which a landing-place was to be found, sat in his cabin this morning drinking a mug of beer, when the cabin door opened letting in Governor Carver, Masters Bradford and Winslow. It was their custom not to be seated, unless they were invited; or- dinarily Captain Jones would let them stand, but this morning he motioned them to take chairs. I think his two nights in the cold made him look with patience on the men who suffered so stolidly. At all events he gave them unusual attention as Governor Carver began, "Captain Jones we have just come from the midst of our people, who are in great controversy as to whether they shall take up their abode here on Cape Cod or go on to the river which w r e have just visited." " 'Tis a goodly harbor," exclaimed the captain with a nod of his head. "For fish boats it is ample, but not for ships." "What of the land?" asked the manner, ignoring the governor's reply. "That puzzles our people greatly, some would have it that the land is cleared and ready for planting; be- sides the seed which we have found is natural to this soil. Then again they are divided whether we should plant ourselves without further searching. Some fa- vor one plan, others another, so that they are filled with differences." Captain Jones, who was not desirous of encouraging any plan that would require time to develop, at once said, "Cape Cod is a likely place for fishing. This be- ing your great source of profit, what say you to settling here?" "That has been hotly considered also and has weight EXPEDITION FOR THIRD DISCOVERY Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, December, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, O. S. 1620. The party consisted of ten colonists, two sailors under contract to colonists, and six sailors from the Mayflower, eighteen in all. Party in the shallop v CAPE COD BAY Wclljlect Harbor\ r" t tfnrb Cxpefcttton o! latecoberp 207 with me," replied the governor. "There are great whales," he continued, "which play in the harbor daily, in the oil of which we see big profits, were we once able to get the monsters on the beach." Master Bradford now interrupted with, "Captain Jones, our people have already raised the question of the supply of fresh water at Cape Cod. There are no rivers or even streams, only ponds which we are fearful will dry in the summer." "Besides," interrupted the governor, "some would have us continue our search as far as Agawam, a place twenty leagues northward where is said to be a fair harbor, with a brook of sweet water flowing into it." Master Bradford did not wait for Captain Jones to answer but now put a question which I thought was up- permost in the minds of the colonists, as he said, "Some of our people conceive that so long as our butter, meat, and cheese last, the ship will stay by us; but when they grow low, you, Captain Jones, will sail away and let us shift for ourselves. I could see the captain knit his brow as he made haste to answer, " 'Tis my duty to carry this ship back to Eng- land, and I can say further, that when I sail, there will be ample meat and beer in the hold to take us there." This information I felt was really what the colonists desired for they had little to say after the captain's out- burst. As they went out Captain Jones turned to me and said, "All the gold in Peru would not induce me to put myself in the place of these men. If they survive the winter, they will surely starve before their grain ripens ; but long before harvest, the savages will overcome them." 208 be Jf ounbtng of a I felt that the captain was speaking the truth, and my heart went out to the unfortunate people, whose fate already seemed to be sealed with disaster. As I sat thinking over the colonists, I longed to go forth and forcibly carry off the maiden, that she might be saved from these miseries. Going out on deck I met her. She seemed so calm and confident, I thought perhaps the captain and I had put the dangers too strongly. She made no effort to flee from me, but stood at the side of the vessel and awaited my coming. She ..smiled so sweetly I would have torn a savage limb from limb, who would offer to do her hurt. Be- fore I could speak she said, "Master Beaumont, you have been ill?" "Nay, Mistress Lora, I was but resting." "For a whole day and a night." "Truly," I said with surprise at her manifested in- terest. "Then you must indeed have been weary." I felt repaid for all of my hardships by Mistress Lora's notice of them and replied, "My fatigue was in- deed great, so I gave way to it, but am sorry if it caused you distress." She blushed deeply as she made haste to answer, "Master Beaumont, I was not in worry, but I wished to thank you for your stick of corn." "So you will not forget me, Mistress Lora?" With her roguish spirit showing out of her eyes she replied, "Not as long as the corn grows." During the next four or five days I could see the colonists in groups discussing their place of settlement. It was uppermost in their minds, and they spent hours tfnrb Cxpebitton of JBu&oberp 209 together endeavoring to decide whether to tarry where they were or explore the country further. Robert Coppin, one of the mates of the ship, who had been along this coast before, happening on Master Winslow during the discussion, told him of a navigable river flowing into a goodly harbor, north of Cape Cod about twenty leagues, where the land was rich and the fish a plenty. He said that while the vessel, he was with, lay at anchor, the savages stole a harping iron or harpoon, and the sailors had named the place "Thievish Harbor." There Master Coppin said the colonists would find sweet water, ample anchorage, and, much cleared land. This narrative so pleased Winslow that he made haste to repeat it to the rest; and, at a confer- ence of the whole body, it was decided to have Mate Coppin lead them to this "Thievish Harbor." This plan did not please Captain Jones, who would have the colonists begin their building at once and not be delayed by further searchings. But they had already decided that the land around Cape Cod was barren. Though they disliked exposing their people, still they thought it best to set forth once more, and explore the country for a more suitable plantation. On Tuesday, the day before the party started on a third discovery, an end came near being made of all of us and the ship sent to the bottom of the sea. The Bil- lington family of London, who were a quarrelsome and bothersome lot, had a son named Francis, about four- teen years of age. He was a likely lad but so meddle- some as to be in constant mischief. This day his father being ashore, the boy came across a fowling-piece, also a keg of powder with the head out. There were several 210 fje jfounbing of a JJation others in the cabin at the same time who warned the lad to have a care; whether in anger or through carelessness no one knows, but the gun went off in his hands, almost over the keg of powder and next to the bedding. Strange as it may seem, neither the gunpowder, nor the beds caught fire, nor were any of the people injured. I was in the cabin shortly afterwards and considered it a miracle that we were not all blown to pieces. Early Wednesday morning, this sixth of December, of the year sixteen hundred and twenty, the colonists were up early, to see their third and last expedition of discovery set off. My experiences upon the other voy- ages aroused my desire for more, so that as soon as I heard of the forming of this third party, I at once ar- ranged with Captain Standish to go with him. I had resolved to leave most of my armor off and would will- ingly have parted with my steel breast plates had I not been afraid of being spitted by an arrow. There was a gale coming off shore that set my teeth chattering and filled the harbor with choppy waves. As I was on deck taking a look at the weather, I saw Mis- tress Lora standing in the lee of the mainmast. The winds had blown a touch of color in her cheeks, making her fairer than ever. I was drawn to her saying, "Mistress Lora, this day bids to be a foul one." The winds whipped a few strands of her brown hair across her cheeks as she replied, "Master Beaumont, why do you go forth in this cold?" "It is my desire to see this new country and all it con- tains, so that I can entertain my friends in England with a truthful narrative of what I saw and did while away from them." tEfje tlnrfc Cxpeuitton of JBt&oberp 2 1 1 "Then why not bide by the ship, and go to the new plantation in comfort, I am sure you suffer from the cold and exposure the same as the rest do, but they are compelled to seek through this desolate land, while you go through choice. Captain Standish told Mistress Rose in my presence, that one of the men on the last voy- age would have frozen, but for the aid you rendered him." "Truly, the captain speaks without my consent. What I did, was what any one of the party would have done for me had I been so feeble." "Nay, I am fearful, that some would not have been so generous." To draw her from this praise of me I said, "I like not yonder cloud, which seems to me to have a streak of snow." Turning towards me and looking me in the face for the first time, the maiden said, "It is a bold man that will go forth in such weather, sleep in the snow, aid his companions and ." Before she finished I broke in, "And give comfort to his enemies." She gave me a curious look and boldly challenged me by saying, "We are no longer your enemy." Before I could ask her more she turned from me towards the door of the great cabin. I was in a cheerful mind as I turned back to the roundhouse to gather my things together for the voyage. This time I decided to carry my own tinder, so that we would not spend another fireless night in the cold. From my own supplies I brought forth a bag of Spanish rusk in case of illness; though I could have carried many dainties on these expeditions, I refused to do so, 212 gcjje jFounfctng of a J^atton eating ship's bread and cheese the same as the rest of the party. There was no rush of volunteers to go on this voyage, as there was on the other two, the hardships of the past adventures having taken the desire of ranging the new country out of their hearts. The leaders made no ef- fort to induce the commonality to go, leaving it entirely to their choice. The governor and his associates, how- ever, showed their resolution and courage, volunteer- ing to make the voyage. The London men showed their metal, for when it was left to the colonists to go or stay, Stephen Hopkins, Richard Warren, and Edward Dotey came forward like men and offered their services. The others of the party were Captain Standish, Governor Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, John Tilley, John How- land, Edward Tilley, two seamen who had hired to the colonists, John Allerton and Thomas English. All told there were twelve colonists and seven of the ship's crew including myself. Captain Jones did not care to go, so Mate Clark was put in command of the shallop, with Mate Robert Coppin as pilot. As I related, Mas- ter Coppin had been on this shore before, and he it was who was to show the colonists "Thievish Harbor," with its river of fresh water, sweet springs, cleared ground for corn, and a harbor that would float the largest ships. Coming out of the roundhouse fully panoplied and ready for the voyage, I was greeted with a cutting blast of wind that made my ringers tingle. In fact the weather was colder than at the starting of the second voyage of discovery. While I was greeting myself with this cheerless prospect, Mistress Lora came on deck. As she approached, she looked around to see if tfjtrb Cxpebition o! JStsfcofcerp 213 she were being noticed, satisfied that she was not, she came to me quickly and thrust a pair of woolen mittens into my hand. She did not say a word, nor did she wait for me to overcome my astonishment, but hurried past me where the men were preparing to lower themselves into the shallop. Even if I could not use my tongue, I determined to show the maiden I did appreciate her gift; so, leaning my musket up against the bulwarks, I drew the warm gloves over my cold hands. Though the wool warmed my tingling fingers, their glow was nothing compared to that which dwelt within me. Quite gallantly I ap- proached the ladder which hung down into the shallop. The maiden was standing close by with one hand laid on the top of the side of the ship, looking carelessly down at the men in the small boat. The other colonists being intent on the shallop, I stepped towards her; quickly laying my gloved hands across hers, with a little pressure I sent her my message of thankfulness. The maiden was taken unawares at my action, as I had been by hers, but she looked up and smiled, so that I went down into the shallop with my heart in a flutter. Once within the tossing boat, it was launched away; but a gust of wind, forcing us back against the ship, al- most capsized us. This threatened disaster brought a cry of alarm from the deck, but we were righted in a moment and floated free. The wind was so strong off shore, that we were blown across the bay towards the sandy point. Though we rowed with all our might, we were in great danger of being swamped and our shallop cast upon the beach. While fighting this peril, two of the men were overcome with the cold and fell in the 214 Wfje jFounfcing of a Ration bottom of the shallop in a swoon. Those of us who could pull an oar were hard at the task, while the sailors made ready the sail. The water came over the side covering us with spray, so that our clothes were soon frozen stiff. I had been within the grasp of coats of steel many times, but I did not fancy this coat of ice and wished myself free from it. As soon as the sail was hoisted, we made headway, finally running under the lee shore where the wind did not trouble us so much. My breast and back plates be- ing covered with ice, I unbuckled the straps and let them fall into the bottom of the shallop. Once on our way we sailed along the coast and found it so bleak and barren, I wondered at the glowing de- scriptions of the earlier explorers who wrote of its strawberries, luscious grapes, and the verdure of the hills. Surely I thought if they had seen this land now under snow and ice, their song would have been of an- other strain; but the writers happened here in the sum- mer, while we were in the midst of winter. Our little shallop proved to be a seaworthy craft, speeding along the shore at a round pace. Coming to a wide bay we sailed directly across it. On the other shore hard by the sea, we saw many savages at work over a black fish which they had hauled upon the shore. As soon as they saw us, they began carrying the flesh of the fish into the forests. We made no effort to go to them owing to the shallowness but sailed past them. Until sundown we searched the shore but found no place suitable for a plantation. Using our axes freely, we made our night's rendezvous. There was ample wood so that we were again blessed with the light and tfjtrb xpefcttion of tecotoerp 215 warmth of a blazing fire, which we knew now how to appreciate. With the coming of morning, forces were divided, part staying aboard the shallop, the rest following along the shore. All day we ranged the forests, finding a burial place, a few unoccupied huts, some corn land, but on the whole the ground very indifferent. Late in the evening we came out upon the beach and saw the shal- lop standing along shore seeking us. Captain Standish firing his snap chance called its attention. We were so pressed for time, that Governor Carver determined to go as far as he could before nightfall, though we were tired enough to have made our rendez- vous where we were. As night came on it began snow- ing, making navigation difficult, but we continued on our course until we could not see where we were going. Wading through the sea, we came ashore and made our camp in the snow. Captain Standish setting his sentinels round about the camp in the driving storm, warned them to be vigilant. About midnight the guard called "to arms." Spring- ing to my feet with snap chance in hand, I saw Captain Standish standing by the fire, his feet apart, his musket cocked and ready for use, peering into the gloom of the forests, while two sentinels stood near by pointing ex- citedly among the trees. As I ranged myself alongside the captain ready for the fight, I heard a strange call from the woods, which the sentinels declared came from the throats of savages. The other colonists came and stood with us, the glow of their matches lighting up their faces. Again and again came this shrill cry out of the wilderness. We 216 tEfje jfounfcing of a Ration stood looking into each other's faces, instinctively ask- ing by our manner if anyone had ever heard such calls before. One of the seamen, after listening attentively, said it was the call of a gray wolf, which he had often heard in Newfoundland. Finding no fault with our active sentinels, and being thankful we were aroused by animals instead of savages we lay down once more to sleep. The colonists were up before daylight, determined to reach Master Coppin's "Thievish Harbor" before nightfall. Fearful that the snow had so dampened the charges in their muskets so that they would not fire, several tested them, with the result that the trees echoed with their noise. To hasten their going the men took their empty guns down to the shallop that had been dragged upon the beach. Separating themselves from their muskets nearly caused them to come to grief, for they had hardly returned and seated themselves around the fire, when one of the sentinels came rushing in cry- ing, "Savages! savages!" Before I could rise an arrow struck my breast plate. The men rushed wildly down to the beach for their guns, while Captain Standish and I made ready our snap chances. I could see in the twilight of the forests, figures darting here and there, taking refuge behind trees, all the while keeping up such cries and howling as I never heard before. Captain Standish, not being able to distinguish an enemy, let go his snap chance bidding me to do likewise, but cautioned Master Bradford and two others who had their guns to withhold in case of assault, while we were reloading. All the while our men were shouting words of encouragement to their comrades in the shallop. tfjirb Cxpebttion at JBitfcoberp 217 They answered back, "Well, well, be of good courage, be of good courage." At the same time shouting for fire to light their matches. Master Bradford hearing the call, throwing aside his gun seized a brand from the fire, hastened through a flight of arrows to the beach. Shortly there came a merry volley from that quarter, giving us ample evidence that their gun matches were blazing in good order. Master Bradford then led a part of the crew of the shallop back to aid us, this reinforcement causing the savages to increase their shouts and arrows. I could see a lusty captain among them urging his men to attack us boldly. To show his defiance of our muskets, he ran from tree to tree until he came close to us, then from be- hind an oak let fly an arrow. Captain Standish, seeing this bold savage, fired his musket at the tree behind which he was standing. Though the bark flew, the man defiantly held his ground, sending another arrow at us. Then I drew aim at the Indian captain sending the ground flying around his feet, still he held fast. By this time Captain Standish, having loaded his piece, fired as the fellow put out his arm to shoot his arrow. The ar- row fell to the ground, while the savage went off howl- ing through the woods with a wounded arm, calling his people after him. Seeing the enemy flying, Captain Standish charged out of our bush barricade, with his empty gun bidding us to follow. Then we gave a white man's cheer in de- fiance to the savage howl, chasing a quarter of a mile through the underbrush after the fleeing savages. Be- ing out of breath we came to a halt, fired our muskets, and gave a mighty shout; but there was not a soul to be seen. As there was no one to fight or chase, we turned 218 fje jfounbmg of a Ration back to our rendezvous where the fire was still burning. Seeking through the dead leaves that covered the ground for the arrows shot by the savages during the encounter, we found eighteen of them, some headed with brass and others with bone. My great coat which hung near the fire to dry had an arrow in each shoulder, the savages taking it to be the form of a man. Strange as it may seem there was not one of the party wounded, though our breast plates were dented by the arrows. We respected the shooting of the savages, for their aim was good and their shafts had the force of a quarrel from an English cross-bar. Launching the shallop, we hoisted sail and pursued our way along the coast, keeping a close watch upon the country. The morning passed without our leaving the shallop. In the middle of the afternoon clouds began to gather overhead and the wind blew in gusts off the sea. To make us more uncomfortable, it began to rain and sleet. Though the waves tossed the shallop about, still we held to our course determined to reach "Thievish Har- bor." Our little craft raced along until a wave carried away its rudder. A couple of seamen managed to steer with oars, while those who were not managing the boat, crouched in the bottom, where we were fairly protected from the wind. While I was hugging myself close to the side of the shallop, giving thanks to the maiden for the comfort her gloves were giving my hands, I noticed the oar of one of the steersmen was stained with blood. Drawing off my warm mitts I made him put them on. Such is the influence of woman over man. I dare say, if I had not associated the gentle maiden with the gloves I would have let the steersman gone on suffering un- noticed. tfjirfc Cxpetnrton of DtScoberp 219 As night came on, the gale increased, blowing the sea into great waves that threatened to overturn the shallop. Master Coppin, who was our pilot, stood up from time to time, vainly endeavoring to recognize some familiar object along the shore. A headland at one time he thought he knew, but later admitting he did not, we lost confidence in him. There were white breakers dead ahead rolling over shallow sands, so that we were com- pelled to stand out to sea. Though the shallop had proven to be a sturdy craft we were now in great danger. While we were beating about the shallows and many had given up hopes of reaching the harbor or even dry land, Master Coppin suddenly shouted, "The Harbor! The Harbor! Be of good cheer!" I arose to my feet but all I could see was a headland and low lying shores, apparently without a break. The sailor's eye was better than mine, for as we head- ed ashore I saw a wide breach, through which w r e hoped to reach the harbor. As we were in the midst of the breakers a sudden blast of wind carried away our mast, sending the sail by the board, at the same time a great wave threw the shallop over on its side. I felt the boat going down and saw the curl of green waters rushing over the gunwale; dropping my musket I seized the seat with both hands expecting each moment to be swal- lowed by the sea. Fortunately the wreckage fell across the opposite side, forcing the boat back to an even keel. Stunned by the suddenness of the disaster, we sat for a moment not knowing which way to turn, then above the tempest T heard Mate Clark shout, "Oars, men! Get out the oars!" While the seamen struggled at the oars, others began dipping out the water, using their steel caps as buckets. 220 fje Jfounbing of a Ration For the next few minutes we worked as we never did before. The seamen, finally getting their oars in place and pulling in the mast and sail, were able to hold the boat's head into the waves. While the men struggled at the oars, Master Coppin again stood up and looked about him. Facing one way then the other he cried out in dismay, "The Lord be merciful, for I have never seen this place before." With this outcry of his mate, Master Clark, who had borne himself well up to this time, seeing greater dan- gers on an unknown sea than on the land, shouted to his men to run the shallop ashore. In the falling twilight we saw a cove ahead, filled with breakers casting them- selves on the beach with the sound of thunder. Into this turbulent sea we were now drifting. I sat helpless not knowing when I would be thrown headlong into the billows. With my heavy armor I had little hopes of ever reaching shore. Knowing my life depended upon relieving myself of this weight of steel, I worked furiously at the buckles until the last fastening was released and the plates slipped from me. Then I stood up in the darkness to see what the prospects were. I confess I saw little and what I did was poor comfort for on all sides were combs of breakers, whitened like the fangs of tigers rushing on their prey. The sea was in a tumult, boiling over the shallows like a caldron and beyond sounded heavy thunderings upon the beach. The bow of the boat was almost in the surf and we were fast drifting to our death, when I heard a strange voice out of the darkness shouting, "About with her, if you are men, row for your lives!" Our new leader was Thomas English, one of the tljtrb Cxpebttion at tcoberp 221 sailors under contract to the colonists, who seeing the danger, in the emergency arose and took command of the shallop, grabbing the steering oar he turned the boat from the breakers out to sea. We were indeed fighting for our lives, for row as hard as we could we seemed to be drifting into the surf. It was so dark we could not see our course. Without a light, the rain coming down sorely, our fingers so cold we could hardly grasp the oars, surrounded by darkness, tossed like a cork on an angry sea, we rowed only as desperate men could. When we were striving our ut- termost, and our hopes began to give way to fear, there came out of the night the strong clear voice of Governor Carver, saying, "Be strong and of good courage." Say what you will, this calm voice and strong words urged me to fight on, though but a moment before I began to feel my courage failing. Like a battle cry of men engaged in a forlorn hope, it sent me back to the task determined to win at all hazards. As this voice and message affected me, so it did the rest, for I could feel the boat give way under the new strength as they re- sponded to these words of Joshua. Now that we had new hearts, Master Clark plucked up his and standing in the bow urged the men on, de- claring that he could hear a fair sound off in the dark- ness of a lee shore where we could ride in safety. After struggling desperately with the sea, we finally won our way and came under this shore in the darkness, where the water was fairly quiet. Not being able to see the nature of the land and fearful of the savages we decided to stay in the boat until morning. As the night advanced, the rain turned into snow, the wind shifted to the north. Having suffered beyond en- 222 (je Jfounlring of a Station durance, the men begged to be set ashore, lest they freeze where they were. For a time Governor Carver hesitated, fearful that the savages would fall upon them in their helpless condition. The poor fellows begged piteously, saying they would rather die at the hands of the Indians than sit still and freeze. So those who elected to go were landed. As I believed in the merits of the firm earth, I gladly made my escape from the boat. Though everything was wet and we had trouble to find wood in the dark, in time we had a fire going, lighting up the waters so pleasingly, the men in the shallop could not withstand its allurements and came ashore with us. Though the pick of the colonists were in the party, they were so af- fected by their previous exposures, they could not throw off the cold. With the coming of the day we had a view of the land and found that we were on a rocky shore overlooking a broad harbor. Having in mind an attack of the sav- ages, when it was light Captain Standish led the strong- est of the party off into the cedar bushes to have a look at the country. To our surprise we found that we had landed upon an island. By the time we had returned the sun had come forth from behind the clouds, giving us good cheer, but the men were so weary the leaders decided to rest all this day, which was Saturday; drying clothes, fixing guns, but mostly mending our bodies which were in a sad state. During the morning we lay in our rugs upon bough beds around the fire. In the afternoon the colonists began to prepare for the coming Sabbath, gathering in a supply of fire-wood and doing such other things as would carry them through the next day without labor. rtjirfc expedition of JStecoberp 223 In the evening as we sat around the blazing cedar logs, Master Bradford brought forth a Geneva Bible and in a clear voice read the first chapter of Joshua. This was a favorite with these men and though I have heard it read many times since, never did it impress me so deeply as it did this night, when we lay upon this lonely island. On the Sabbath day the colonists rested, while the sailors tried for codfish with poor results. Mate Clark and I made a circuit of the island, found it covered with red cedars and other low growing rubbish. As we followed the beach back, Mate Clark kicked up a clam, digging down in the sand we found quantities of the shell fish. We feasted upon the clams, then gath- ered a quantity for the others; though the colonists would not partake of them, the seamen made away with them quickly. During the greater part of the day the colonists sat around the fire while someone read aloud from Master Bradford's Bible. Now and then one would walk to the seaside and look across the harbor, toward a great clearing, which could be plainly seen. Master Coppin had already declared that this was not "Thievish Har- bor" and could give no account of the place. Still the clearing on the hillside, facing a good harbor, was a fair prospect, so that they felt it might answer the purpose of a colony. By daybreak Monday, we were up seeking clams on the beach, to break the flavor of the cheese and ship's bread. The colonists were glad this day to pluck the shell fish from the sand, calling them fresh fruit. Mas- ter Clark and his sailors soon had their supply stored away in the shallop ; the colonists did likewise, so that their stomachs were treated to a surprise after many 224 3H)e Jfounbing of a Ration weeks of laboring on salt meats and stale food. Master Coppin had a new cedar mast in place, this Monday morning, December twenty-first, when the shallop was launched upon the waters of the harbor. The boat was headed for the great clearing. On the way Mate Clark took soundings, finding ample water to float the largest ships in places; but the harbor was mostly shallow and even dry at low tide. Satisfied with the sea, Governor Carver directed the seamen to steer toward an inlet which seemed to be the mouth of a stream running down from the hills through the great clearing. This prospect of fresh water, open fields, and deep harbor greatly pleased the colonists. The tide was full so that the shallop under full sail beat up towards the inlet. The clearing proved to be much larger than was thought at first, covering about one hundred acres. From a high mound about an eighth of a mile from the sea it sloped gently down to a little cliff along the beach, showing a deep cut where the brook ran along one side of the field. It was surrounded on all sides by a forest of pines and leafless trees. Steering for the inlet we came upon a great rock that shelved from the shore into the sea, Master Clark called Governor Carver's attention to it, saying it was a proper landing stage. Some of the party were for going up the inlet, but Captain Standish with true military instinct said it would be dangerous, as the savages could pelt us with arrows from both banks. This settled the argument, Governor Carver directing the seamen to steer for the great rock. Coming up to it a sailor sprang out of the boat with a short line. Governor Carver following him, while the rest of us scrambled over the sides as best we tfjtrb Cxpcbttton ot JB&coberp 225 could, glad for once to come to land with shoes and stockings dry. Those who had match-locks saw that their sparks were red. Captain Standish and I held our snap chances ready for action, not knowing how many evil eyed savages might be watching us from the bushes. Though we made sure there were no savages around before landing, still we were fearful and advanced slowly, cautiously climbing the bank into the clearing. There we found old stalks of corn and the ground cov- ered with wild grass and brush of three or four years' growth. Having taken a look at the clearing and meas- ured the soil, we made our way through the brush to the top of a ravine, at the bottom of which was a brook, with sweet and ample water. This prospect pleased the Governor and Elder Brewster. Desiring to see the stream they led the way down to its very edge. Mounting the stream we came to a spring bubbling out of the ground beneath the roots of a half dozen wil- low trees of more than goodly proportion. This dis- covery caused the party to stop and gather around the fountain, marveling at its freshness. I saw Governor Carver first look down the brook, then up, then gazing into the basin of the spring, he said, "For a situation, for a plantation, this seems to be most likely. There is a good harbor, ample cleared land, abundance of sweet water and a hill on which to build our defences." These being the main points in the plantation of a colony and this spot seeming to fill all of them, there was no dissenting from the governor's words. Though it was not decided then to settle here, the seed was planted in the minds of the men. 226 {Efje Jfounbing of a Ration Master Bradford suggested they go to the top of the high mount in the clearing, from which to judge the sea and the land. Once more clambering through the low brush, we crossed the rolling land to the top of the mount. A narrow strip of land divided the harbor from the sea. Off to the left was the island where we first landed, which now was agreed should be called Clark's Island after the mate of the shallop. A long narrow beach circled out from the land to the left, em- bracing the island within its sweep. As we stood and gazed at the stretch of sea and land, I half liked this wilderness myself, while the colonists were all but settled in favor of this site for their plantation. As they were beholding the landscape, Captain Stand- ish had paced off the top of the mount for a fortification. But the colonists were not so fast as the captain, decid- ing to look further. Taking up arms, we marched in- land through the woods not even finding a savage's path to aid our travels. The country was hilly, in many places full of stones, intermingled with swamps and boggy places. There was an abundance of pitch pines and other noble trees, giving the colonists encourage- ment for their building materials. There was also much barren land with here and there a fruitful spot, where the soil was black and deep and on which the yeomen of the party looked hopefully. But they found no spot which gave them as much satisfaction as the great clearing, with its sweet water brook and spring. Returning to the shallop they rowed up into the inlet finding ample depth for fishing-boats. The banks of the brook and inlet, too, rose at a gentle incline, afford- ing room for houses and family gardens. With this farewell look, it was then and there decided to bring the tinr& Cxpebttion of JSteeotoerp 227 ship from Cape Cod, planting the colony in the great clearing or near by, if a more favorable spot could be found. Sailing across the harbor the men gazed backward many times at the great clearing and the country around it. With a final look the prow of the shallop was turned toward the open sea and Cape Cod. Coasting along the shore we spent another night under the stars and about noon time the next day came in sight of the vessel. There were no shouts of welcome nor calling back and forth as usual. This subdued feeling was felt by the men in the shallop, causing them to wonder what had happened during their absence. Master Bradford failed to see the face of his good wife Dorothy, hoping no doubt to be greeted by her in the cabin. But this was not to be, for during his absence she had accidental- ly fallen into the sea, meeting her fate in the waters of Cape Cod, this being the first tragedy that had befallen the colonists. locating tfje Colon? at The season of death had begun with the colonists while the party was off on the third discovery. We had not been gone long when Edward Thompson, a servant of Master William White, was taken. Little Jasper Moore, a bound boy in the family of Governor Carver, who had been ailing for some time, also came to his end. Then Mistress Dorothy May, wife of Master William Bradford, fell into the sea. Thus the home-coming was a sad one. On the morrow after the return, the governor and all of his people went ashore to bring aboard the timbers and boards, that had been cut from the trees and dragged to the saw-pits, making ready to leave Cape Cod. I watched the ship's deck closely, thinking I would catch sight of Mistress Lora. As she did not appear I walked back and forth hoping she would come forth from the great cabin. Instead of Lora I happened on Mistress Rose Standish, wife of the captain. She was a dainty little body, cheerful and with a pleasing word for everyone. Through the captain I had made his wife's acquaintance. As I had great respect for him, she compensated me by showing me little attentions. I learned from Mistress Rose that the maiden was not ill, but for some reason kept to her cabin. While \ve were speaking together who should come 230 3Tlje Jf otmbing of a Ration on deck but the maiden. As she and Mistress Standish were exceedingly friendly she came directly to us. Mistress Rose being curious about me, after touching on many subjects, finally said, "Master Beaumont, from what part of England do you come?" "Leicestershire, Mistress Standish," at the same time making a flourish with my hat. "An east of England man." At this Mistress Lora spoke up with, "Master Beau- mont, how came you then to be at Plymouth?" This was a question which I had not anticipated and hesitated before making reply. Seeing she misinter- preted my delay and knowing that sooner or later I would have to answer, I made up my mind to have it over with and replied, "Mistress Lora, it was a quarrel that carried me into Plymouth." "And you were fleeing the country?" asked Mistress Rose. She was a soldier's wife and was wise at once as to what had sent me away from England. Seeing I did not give a direct reply to her question, she refrained from pushing the matter further. But the maiden showed the willfulness of her race and now that I had pulled my mask off partially, she would have me completely remove it. As soon as she could return to the subject, she said, "Master Beau- mont, you did not say why you left England." I could see Mistress Rose's cheeks flush up and for fear she might think I was a highwayman or a robber I said quite determinedly, "It was an affair of honor and not of my own seeking." Mistress Standish again came to my aid saying, "You mean that you fought," at the same time she endeavored to change the subject. locating at $Upmoutfj 231 The maiden was determined to know more and quick- ly asked, "What did you fight?" There was no denying the truth, looking boldly at her I replied, "I fought a fair duel." "And you had to flee the country?" exclaimed the maiden with horror in her voice. "Mistress Lora, do not judge harshly of me, since I had no choice. The man I fought was seeking my life and I fought, as any other man would, to save it." "That is the custom of England," explained Mistress Rose, "and no blame can lie on Master Beaumont." Mistress Rose took my part so well that the maiden's fears were somewhat allayed ; but I knew the end was not yet. To change the trend of the conversation I asked, "Mistress Lora, how came you to this vessel?" "With my parents, from Holland," she answered. "From Leyden?" "Truly Leyden, and a city of great beauty." "Yea, I have been there." "You, Master Beaumont?" she exclaimed with sur- prise. "Yes, Mistress Lora, and I saw you there one No- vember day about a year gone." "That could not be, Master Beaumont, since I was in London not returning until the following December." "But the Leyden Cathedral," I stammered. "True 'tis a thing of beauty, but what of it?" she asked curiously. "On this November day my companion and I saw you passing through the Cathedral square with your father," I said insistently. "Nay, Master Beaumont, it must have been my sister Fear." 232 fje Jfounfctng of a Ration "Fear Brewster," I exclaimed. "She favors me greatly, though I am her elder." "But I like Lora Brewster better than Fear Brew- ster," I said with a little laugh. She did not reply but blushed prettily, turning to- ward Mistress Standish for relief, but she only smiled at her. Then shortly the two women went to their cabin, leaving me at the side of the vessel, deeply puzzled by this new situation. I had been making love to a cathe- dral as well as to a maiden, connecting the two together, only to find that they did not belong to each other. For a time I stood in great perplexity but the form of the maiden arose clearly above these doubts. While the colonists were making ready, Captain Jones held a conference with Master Clark and Coppin. As I was interested, I approached the table where the three seamen were discussing a map on which Master Clark essayed to point out the harbor which we had visited. Master Coppin traced the course of our shal- lop, saying, "There is Grumpus Bay, and here is our First Encounter." "Then," said Captain Jones, "this harbor which you saw must be within these beaches and is marked on Cap- tain John Smith's map as Plymouth." Both mates now looked upon the map and after an exchange of words confirmed the harbor as Plymouth. Having fixed the place, Captain Jones said, "What say you Clark, think you Governor Carver and his peo- ple are satisfied with the place?" "So they seemed." "And the harbor will float the ship safely? I shall never hoist anchor unless I know whither I am going." The captain was so surly, I expected to hear him re- fuse to even go to the new anchorage. But both Clark locating at IHpmoutf) 233 and Coppin assured him that they had sounded the channel and harbor and found ample sea room. The captain then replied that he was content and would go as soon as the colonists were ready. Shortly after this conference of the seamen, Gover- nor Carver and the other leaders returned from ashore with a load of sawn planks which they quickly hoisted and stored on deck. They had evidently been consid- ering the new harbor as a place of settlement while ashore, for they came at once to the roundhouse and finding Captain Jones in, Governor Carver said, "Mas- ter Jones, we have at length found a place of settle- ment." "Indeed, pray where?" asked the seaman, expressing surprise, though he knew full well all the while. "In a great clearing on a hillside, through which flows a brook, and in front of which lies an ample harbor." "When would you go to this new place?" asked the captain. "On the morrow," was the governor's unexpected reply. So it was decided that after laying at the first anchor- age at Cape Cod for a month and four days, during which time three journeys of discoveries had been made, the ship was to sail on Friday, Christmas Day, for the harbor of Plymouth, so named by Captain John Smith of Virginia. When the colonists left the cabin, they immediately returned to the shallop, devoting the rest of the day, to bringing aboard their tools and the wooden things that had been wrought on shore. When the last trip had been made, the shallop was lashed aft for the voyage. 234 die Jfounbing ot a Station With the coming of Christmas morning the colonists were on deck, not giving due regard for the holy day, according to my fancy and the practice of the estab- lished church. There were no happy greetings or ex- change of rememberances, but a stolid indifference to the gentle memories so dear to other Englishmen. To them it was the same as any other day of the year. As I was curious to know the cause of this lack of appre- ciation of Christmas Day by the Separatists, though they were ardent Christians, I appealed to Master Winslow. He assured me that the holy day had become a profane day, celebrated by unlicensed drinking, bull and bear baiting, and abounding in other excesses, which they could not countenance. The sailors in the forecastle and we in the round- house were looking forward to a feast of delicacies, and an extra allowance of beer, garnished with bits of citron and sweet ginger for the midday meal. Captain Jones and the rest of us grew happy under the prospects of a rich dinner, while the colonists held grimly to their coarse diet, for fear they might make some concession to the ceremonies of the established church. The boatswain whistle calling the sailors from their beer, they came grumbling from their quarters to loosen the frozen sails, and drag the anchor cables out of the cold sea, swearing oaths at the unfeeling colonists who would make them labor on this the greatest day of the year. The sails were soon set and the ship got under way. Mate Clark was in command as he had knowl- edge of the Bay of Plymouth. With a good wind off shore, Mate Clark headed the ship out to sea, expecting to come into the harbor from the ocean, rather than take the risk of coursing along shore. H H s K *^ 73 locating at JJlpmoutf) 237 I was glad to feel the ship working under me once more, as it meant that the colonists would soon be safe ashore, likewise, I would soon be homeward bound. As I sat in the little alcove, looking out at the distant hills, I could not help but think how much more comfortable it was to go to Plymouth in a ship, than in the little shal- lop, in armor covered with ice. While the plum pudding was steaming on the table and our throats were still carrying the sweetness of the roast goose, Mate Clark came in, exclaiming that ow- ing to the high winds he could not take the ship into the harbor. Captain Jones looked hard at his plum pud- ding, then at Clark, his mind divided between his stomach and his duty. It was only for a moment, how- ever, then he filled his mouth with the steaming sweet- ness, not deigning to answer Mate Clark until he had swallowed the tempting morsel. Though the ship were sinking, I was sure that Master Jones could not tear himself away from the plum pudding until he had had his fill. So it happened. Though he did not linger long at the table, the captain made the most of it, by the active use of a great pewter spoon, which he plied rapid- ly and kept well filled. The Christmas pudding being wrecked, the captain hastened out to the quarter-deck, making a hasty survey. The waves were rolling in the narrow channel, leading into the harbor, making it dangerous to enter, even for navigators who knew the waters. As I came out of the roundhouse, I saw Captain Jones looking doubtfully about him. Seeing he could not make the harbor he decided to return to Cape Cod. Giving a quick com- mand, the ship rolled heavily on its side, pushing its square prow deep into the sea, as it made a wide turn 2 3 8 W$t Jfoimfcing of a Ration and started back. We made the old anchorage about sundown, so that the first effort to enter Plymouth Bay ended in defeat. This Christmas night while the colonists were saying their evening prayer, the sailors were in great glee, mingling their ribald songs with the harmonies of the psalms of the passengers. While the colonists went to their beds and hoped for better things on the morrow, the sailors spent the night dancing and drinking, and saw with bleary eyes and clogged brains, the next day's sun rise out of the depths of the sea. This day being Saturday and the wind blowing fair across the bay an early start was made for fear that the breeze would go down before Plymouth Harbor was reached. The sailors came from their quarters after their night's carousal, sleepy and quarrelsome. But Captain Jones waded in amongst them with his big fists and heavy boots, soon bringing the men to their senses ; at least that was the term, in which he phrased his bru- tality. With the vessel once more under headway, Master Coppin took his stand in the stays. Mate Clark was forward on the forecastle-deck, while Captain Jones was aft on the poop-deck near the wheel, where he had a view of the ship. The failure of yesterday made the captain all the more anxious to succeed today. The colonists, who were able, were out anxiously watching the proceedings. I was anxious that this day's venture meet with success as well and went forward taking my stand with Mate Clark. The weather being favorable, the ship came to the narrows, leading into the bay about the middle of the afternoon. As the vessel ran into the breach, the cap- locating at fHpmoutfj 239 tain sent the sailors aloft to take in sail, fearing to drive the ship too fast. The leadsmen were calling the depth of the water ; and now and then Mate Clark would hold up his hand, signaling the wheelman to steer to the right or left. These were moments of breathless interest as the ship made its way between the shallows and over sandy shoals into the unknown harbor. The ebb tide showed a broad channel along the in- side of the wooded beach, which was between the har- bor and the ocean. Captain Jones who did not fancy lying in the open roadstead, began working the ship down this channel and before he had gained his anchor- age, the twilight began to fall. During the maneuvering of the vessel to gain its quarters, the colonists were on deck looking anxiously at the surrounding country getting what hope they could out of it. Being greatly interested I mingled with them to hear what they might have to say of the prospect. Some held that the harbor was ample, others saw in the island a refuge from the savages, in case of need; another that the sand would give clams in case of famine. There was a feeling of joy among the common people that the voyage was at an end. The headmen, who were grouped together forward near the ship's long boat, were in a different mood from the common people, for as they stood in the presence of the unknown they felt their responsibilities bearing heavily upon them. This day was one which they had looked forward to, even before sailing from Holland. When Governor Carver broke the silence by saying, "Elder Brewster, this is our promised land," every member of the group around him said, "Amen." Then it was that the elder, as he looked across the 240 fje Jf ounbing of a Ration harbor into the great clearing grown gray in the light of the departing day, said, "Moses came in sight of the land of Canaan, but another led his people into it." There was not a touch of bitterness in his speech, al- though he had in his mind Master John Robinson, who was left in Leyden. The elder's words so fitted his own case, however, that those who heard him looked at each other saying, in their own hearts, " 'Tis true." Governor Carver, looking at the great clearing, ex- pressed himself with, "This hill country greets me bet- ter than yonder low land," pointing to the right where a river came into the harbor through a grassy plain. Master Isaac Allerton, who was near by, replied, "But if we take possession of this cleared land, now, the savages will return and claim it at their planting time." This thought had not come into the minds of the lead- ers, and they stood greatly perplexed until Captain Standish remarked, "The savages have not planted this field for several years." "But they might return," insisted Allerton. Master Bradford very cleverly answered, "We can take possession of the clearing, and if the savages return, we can pay their price." To my notion he was right, and I felt sure that this great clearing would be chosen for the plantation, though there was a firm disposition on the part of some of the colonists to seek further before deciding. While leaders of the colonists were standing on deck discussing the prospect of the land, Captain Jones had worked the ship, back of the beach, where he thought it could ride in safety. The light in the west fading and the shadows of the night spreading over the land made locating at JJlpmoutf) 241 the great clearing a patch of yellow in the midst of the mass of black forests. Then the governor and the headmen crowded to the side of the ship. For a time they looked in silence. With their faces set toward this wilderness, their cour- age challenged by its danger, they stood like men who felt a duty within them and girded themselves about to do their uttermost. Reverently the governor took off his hat, the others doing likewise, until every colonist stood uncovered; then in the hush of the departing day, they betook themselves to their cabin, feeling that they had at length reached their goal. The next day was one of suppressed excitement, even though it was the Sabbath. Captain Jones and the sail- ors were anxious to be off, the colonists were in hopes to be rid of the ship, while the women and children were glad at the prospect of once more coming to dry land. While the hoar frost \vas still upon the deck, I heard the commonality out discussing the merits of the clear- ing against other parts of the country. After services the governor and the chiefest came on deck, walking back and forth endeavoring to ignore the presence of the great clearing in fixing their minds on holier things, but one by one they stopped by the side of the vessel and, like the common people, began discussing the country side. The children did not take to the sullenness of the land as they fancied the country, which their elders had been seeking so faithfully, was to be clothed in flowers and everlasting sunshine. Some of the people also found fault with its bleakness and for the moment were sorry they came. But most of the men looked at the barren hills and black forests with brave hearts and were impatient for the morrow. 242 tltlje Jf ounbtng of a In the evening the hearth boxes were brought upon deck, while the people gathered about the burning juniper, sending a greeting to the new shores in their songs. Governor Carver was impatient to have his men in their rugs, as he knew better than they, what the la- bors of the morrow would be. Gracious, not with fault- finding, but very wisely, the governor had the fire out and the men at rest, long before they expected to be. When the last man had gone to his rugs, the governor still lingered, walking back and forth as if in deep thought. The embers of one of the sand boxes being left for the night watch, I caught the governor's face as he passed it from time to time in his lonely walk. I could see he was laboring under great mental strain. Once he stopped, I saw him turn his face heavenwards and wring his hands. Then turning to the side of the vessel he stood looking toward the land. No one knows what this silent figure suffered or what was uppermost in his mind but as he felt the hush of the night and the gloom of the great wilderness stealing across the waters, he must have had a glimpse of the toils, perils, anguish, and even the deaths of his people. As he stood alone and unattended, I could only think of another one who spent his last night before Gethsemane in anguish for his people. Out of the darkness the governor came back to the watch-fire. A fitful flame gave me a glimpse of his countenance, his high forehead and gray hair, his weather beaten cheeks and kindly face, and I felt that he was truly a man of courage. The flickering flame lighted the governor to the door of his cabin, leaving me with a picture of a prophet of old in communion with his God. locating at $lj>moutf) 243 Sailors and colonists were up betimes Monday morn- ing. The shallop which had been lying idly at the stern of the ship was made ready for the voyage to land. Though it had been snowy and stormy weather, there was no ice in the harbor. The men prudently decided to search the shores of the bay, before finally fixing upon a place to settle. Those who had not been in the great clearing would go there first to see what sort of place it was. My heart was set on journeying with the party, so that when the shallop pushed away, I was one of its occupants, holding my musket across my knees. Governor Carver pointed out the rock at the right of the inlet to Captain Jones, which now became the fixed landing-place of the colonists. Once ashore and having viewed the harbor from the high hill, tasted of the waters of the spring, seen the brook and inlet, and tested of the soil, the colonists began searching the neighbor- ing country to make sure there was not a place near by, that w r ould excel this spot in these favors. First they ranged the woods and found the land lean and fat in places with an occasional oak, pine, and hem- lock. There were some walnut, beech, ash, and birch trees and vines trailing from treetops, which promised grapes in their season. Under the dry leaves which carpeted the ground were strawberry plants, and a store of herbs, which I thought would please the matrons as well as Doctor Fuller. The inland country not pleasing them, the colonists turned to the beach, following it un- til they came to the river, which had been discovered from the ship. The tide being in, and being unable to cross, they decided to abandon further search. Turn- ing back we came to the great rock, returning to the ship before dark. 244 &e Jf oun&mg of a Ration Every colonist who could leave his bed was at the side to welcome the return of the shallop. In their eager- ness some of them wanted to know if they had selected the place of settlement, if they had seen savages, and a multitude of other questions, which no one endeavored to answer until the deck was reached. Tuesday the colonists set off to explore the river in the shallop, which we found was a gentle stream but hardly worthy of the name. Though the land was flat and free from trees, fresh water was lacking. Having rowed around the harbor, going ashore at favorable places, Governor Carver expressed a desire of seeing Clark's Island on which we first landed. This was found to be unsuitable owing to the lean land and lack of springs. Having examined the shore line of the har- bor, the colonists returned to the ship with their minds set on an early decision of the place of settlement. Happening on Captain Standish he told me a confer- ence of the men was to be held that night. As some favored one location and some another, an effort was to be made to get all to agree on one place. Captain Jones and I discussed the various spots and between us agreed that the great clearing was the best one. He was of the opinion that the headmen had already fixed upon it and were giving the commonality time to come to their way of thinking. I was up Wednesday almost as early as the colonists and I think I was almost as anxious over the outcome of the conference as they were themselves. Meeting Cap- tain Standish he told me a decision had not been reached; but as many of the colonists as could go were to take a final view of the sites on the river and the great clearing- the choice being between these two. Short- ly the shallop was dropped alongside and the colonists locating at JJipmouti) 245 took their places; as there was room for me I was in- vited to go along. First they rowed to the river taking a final look at the lowlands, then they started for the great clearing. En route the colonists, who favored the plains, extolled the merits of their choice; but the others held fast, refusing to decide until the great clearing had been looked over again. One by one the men stepped upon the rock and viewed the inlet, then visited the spring and saw the running brook. Governor Carver, with his long gray hair cropping out beneath the edge of his steel bonnet, then led the way to the top of the high mount, from which a view was gained of the clearing, the harbor, and all the surrounding country. Grouped on the little hilltop the men called each other's attention to the soil and advantages of the place. Having given his people ample time and opportunity, Governor Carver decided to bring the selection of a place of settlement to an end. Three days had been lost since the ship came into the harbor searching out a loca- tion, so that the leaders were ready to act. Then it was that the governor gave the first evidence of his authority on land, for, taking off his steel cap, in a clear steady voice he said, that it was beholden for them to decide now whether they would settle on the banks of the river or in the great clearing. With this statement he put one place and then the other. With loud assent the great clearing was chosen as their plan- tation. So it befell the lot of this hilltop to witness the first working of individual government in this new land. Whatever may come of this theory, this spot will be hallowed or evil ground, in so much as the method becomes good or bad. 246 ije jFounbing of a Filing down the mount the colonists went back to the banks of the inlet, where another conference was held over the location of the first house in the clearing. It was agreed that the sick men, women, and children must stay on the ship, until the houses had been built for their protection. Having this plan in mind, Governor Carver suggested that all of the colonists join in build- ing a common-house, for the protection of the men, while they were building their own huts. This was as- sented to and choice made of a site on the bank of the inlet. Their quick action did not end here, but twenty men at the command of the governor set to work im- mediately to clear away the undergrowth. So the colonists took possession of the great clearing and began their work of settlement. A broad deer trail on the opposite side of the brook having attracted my attention, I decided to stay ashore. Before morning I wished I had not had so much sport- ing blood in my veins, for about midnight it began to storm and rain so that there was no protecting one's self from the tempest. The fire being extinguished we were compelled to sit through the rest of the night in wet clothes. The men ashore had not intended staying when they left the vessel so that they only had sufficient food for their evening meal. The shallop was to bring supplies the next morning, but the sea was raging so that it was impossible. In fact the wind was so strong we were fearful that the ship would be blown from its moorings and if Captain Jones had not thrown out all three of his anchors, it is my belief that the vessel would have been dashed to pieces. About noontime when we had about given ourselves over to a day of fasting, we were welcomed by the sight locating at $Hpmoutf) 247 of the shallop coming with stores. The little craft headed into the inlet where it floated safely under the covert of the banks. While the men went about build- ing a brush rendezvous, I followed along the brook trying my musket on the ducks and geese, bringing in a few water fowl, making an acceptable addition to the limited larder. The wind being still high the shallop could not go back to the ship, but with a blazing fire and a brush bed, we lay under a rude shelter thankful for our blessings. All day Friday the shallop lay in the inlet unable to breast the high waves, so that our supplies again ran low. The colonists made the best of this delay by seek- ing sites for houses, locating timber, and searching for wild grass for thatching. I was compelled to take my drenching with the rest, grateful that my clothes did not freeze on my back and I was not pickled in ice. It was Saturday morning, January second, before the storm abated so that a working force could come with felling and hewing axes to cut timbers for the common- house. Governor Carver accompanied by Stephen Hopkins led the way into the forests. Master Stephen who had been in Virginia and was familiar with the larch, which was used for foundation logs, carried a felling ax, marking the trees that were to be cut down. While the two notched the trees, the other began hew- ing at them. Most of the Leyden men, being farmers in their early days, knew the knack of sending an ax into the heart of a tree; and there is a legerdemain about it unless a man uses he soon tires. While the chips were flying and the sound of the axes echoed through the woods, a sharp lookout was kept for savages. Captain Standish wished to set sentinels 248 lEbt Jfounfcmg of a Ration round about the choppers, but there were so few and so much to do, it was decided to take their chances against attack. But while they labored their match-locks stood close by with the sparks in readiness. Leaving the men at work I walked to the brook, fol- lowing it until I came to a pool which the wild fowl used. Though I hid in the grass and hung around the place, not a bird came near. Then it came to me that the sound of the axes had disturbed the water fowl from their feeding-ground, which had belonged to them from time immemorial. No doubt with the first blow of the ax, these denizens of the waters took their flight to seek new feeding-grounds deeper in the wilderness. As my sport seemed lacking and fearful of going far from the clearing, I swung around through the woods coming upon the choppers unawares. As they did not hear me I stood watching them. Master Edward Winslow in a rough kersey was hack- ing awkwardly at the trunk of a pine, on the other side of which was Master Allerton. Winslow, the gentle- man, and Allerton, the tailor, were both merged in wood choppers. Beyond these two were Master Bradford and Elder Brewster hard at the same tasks, the former who had been a yeoman before goincr to Holland, could swing an ax with the sturdiest of the choppers ; the elder was not wanting in experience, but was handicapped by his age. Even the gray haired governor was at work cutting brushes from a fallen tree. Desiring to see what part Captain Standish was playing in this scene of toil, I shifted my position in the brush that I might see him. I found him astride a fallen tree, laboring like the low- liest. As I stood watching this strange scene, an old locating at fMpmoutfj 249 adage came to my mind, which says that when master and man labor together a task is quickly done. There was no questioning but that they were working on even terms this day, but the end of the task I felt was in doubt Moving in the underbrush I stepped on a dry stick making a noise, instantly the choppers dropped their axes and seizing their guns brought them ready to fire. My yellow velvet coat saved me, one of the men recog- nizing it called to his comrades not to fire. The alarm having subsided I sat down on a fallen log to watch the men at work. I had not been there long when I happened to spy Degory Priest, a hat-maker from Leyden. From the manner in which he handled his ax, it was evident he was accustomed to working with softer tools. Though his hands were tender, he was hard at work with an ax, doing his uttermost. He had been out in the night of snow and sleet and there contracted a cold which was fast making a wreck of him. His deep coughing at- tracted my attention as much as his awkward chopping. The poor fellow looked so weak and forlorn, I offered him a rusk and a swallow of my strong waters, which he received gratefully. As he sat down to rest I noticed his hands were bleeding. Taking one of them I saw it was covered with blisters, from which the blood was oozing. The dry stains on his ax handle indicated he had been suffering long and silently. Looking at his thin pale face I said, "My man, you are too weak to work." Before he could answer he was taken with a fit of coughing and ere he ceased I thought he would fall from the log through exhaustion. 250 tCfte Jfouttiring of a Ration When he had recovered his breath he said, "I know it will not be my lot to see my companions settled ; but they have brought me thus far through their own sac- rifices, and what little strength I have left is theirs." Stooping over to pick up his ax he fell forward in a faint. Forcing the contents of my flask between his lips, the warmth of the spirits soon brought him to. As he would not listen to me, protesting that he must re- sume his labor, I did not have the heart to leave the man in his feebleness, so made him sit and watch me use his ax as best I could. When I succeeded in felling a pine tree, he would not let me do more, but taking the ax began trimming its branches. When the shallop made its last passage to the ship at night I returned with it, so did Degory Priest, though I thought him weaker. His face was flushed with fever, but his mouth was set as one who was determined to do his part, come what would. Some of the men stayed ashore, but most of them returned to the ship to spend the Sabbath in rest. I must confess that I was so tired that I was content to stay abed, though the sun came in warm and comfortable through the windows of the roundhouse. I do not know what happened either on the ship or shore this day, further, than the men on the land heard strange cries in the forests, which they took to be savages and stood by their match-locks most of the time. Monday all hands were ashore early, including Deg- ory Priest. The morning being cold and raw I decid- ed to stay on board ship. The clearing was so large the nearest trees were at least an eighth of a mile distant from the location of the houses. When the first trees were cut the colonists locating at JMpmoutf) 251 were compelled to go deeper into the woods, so that most of the house timbers were dragged from a quarter to half a mile over the frozen ground. To understand the real struggle of the colonists in securing logs for their houses, one should know that the site selected for their settlement was upon a side hill, with the ground sloping away from it on all sides. This in itself was an obstruction, but the greatest one was the scarcity of available building trees. The brook with its steep banks shut off one half of the forests, then the savages had cleared the trees from the hill, so that the colonists could not look for timbers in that quarter. This left only a small portion of the distant forests from which to secure material. At noontime I took my musket and went ashore in search of game. As I came up from the beach a long line of men, dragging a log, came towards me with their bodies bent forward and straining at every nerve, mov- ing slowly over the ground. Every few moments the end of the log would strike an obstruction, or else dig its way into the earth, causing the men to stop with a jerk. Having gained their breath, they would again strive with their load until stopped by exhaustion; it was drudgery of the hardest kind, but every man includ- ing the governor had hold of the rope. Having neither horses nor oxen they were compelled to take the places of animals. Coming closer to the toiling line I saw Degory Priest laboring at the rope. Both cheeks were flushed and the wild look in his eyes told the story of his feebleness. His cough was worse this day and at every halt he was compelled to sit down on the log to rest. A dozen or more timbers were lying at the site of the 252 lje Jfounbmg of a Ration common-house, which was to consist of one room twenty feet square. As soon as the log the colonists were drag- ging was laid with the others, they went back for more without so much as resting. Returning in the evening I heard the men off in the forests, and shortly saw the long line emerge from the trees, dragging the last stick for the day. Waiting until they had ended their task, I took my way with the few who were returning to the ship down to the shallop. As Degory Priest got into the boat I gave him a duck. He thanked me and draw- ing his coat tightly about his thin body crouched in the bottom, where the wind could not strike him. During the night it began to blow and rain, so that I was in pity for the poor fellows who were ashore. There was no cessation in the gale in the morning, the waves running so high the shallop could not go ashore. Once or twice I saw Degory Priest on the deck, looking longingly towards land, as if he was being defrauded of a day's work. My compassion for the man prompted me to advise him to keep off the deck, but his impatience to be free of the ship was such that he would not heed it. Chafing under his enforced idleness, he went below in the evening still willful. This day Mistress Lora came on deck and then I had but a word with her. She said that the sick were lying in their rugs, impatient to be ashore. Though Doctor Fuller was working with them day and night many were gradually growing weaker. I watched her closely to see if she was being stricken by the fever which was raging, but the glow of her cheek belied the presence of the malady. Though I was duly thankful for this, still I began to be alarmed and wished that the men ashore did not have to drag their timbers such distances so that they might build the quicker. locating at fMjmtouti) 253 Though the harbor was still in the throes of the pass- ing storm, the next day the shallop was made ready for a trip ashore. Degory Priest brought up his sleeping- rug, prepared to take up his abode in the clearing, and determined not to lose more of his life's time. The sea calming, I went shorewards in the middle of the afternoon. En route to my hunting-ground I saw the fourth log of the side of the common-house rolled into position. Governor Carver's clothes were covered with mud, while he worked like a common menial with his subjects. A king, who would have done thusly, would soon have lost his throne; but this new form of government seemed to encourage the leveling of ruler and ruled. Inquiring after Degory Priest, I was told that he was too weak to swing an ax. Later I came upon him, kneeling upon the cold ground, working feverishly with a sickle amongst the coarse yellow grass which was to be used for thatching. From time to time he stopped to cough ; but as soon as the paroxysm passed, he took up his blade, laying to the right and left of him the win- rows of straw. As I passed on I could hear his cough, which haunted me until I willingly would have gone back and done his work for him. I knew that my inter- ference, however, would be futile, as he was determined to labor for his comrades as long as the breath of life was in him. The struggle of Degory Priest excited my sympathy. I saw him the following day weaker than ever, mixing the clay to be used as daubing for the houses. He had a chill during the night. His comrades wished to send him back to the ship, where he could have the care of Doctor Fuller, but he steadfastlv refused to go. He 254 f)e Jfmmfctng of a JJatton seemed so frail I expected to see him fall any moment. When I offered to send Doctor Fuller to him, if he would not give up his work and return to the ship, he looked at me and shook his head, saying, "Master Beau- mont, it is too late." In the afternoon not being strong enough to wield a hoe, he attempted to smooth the clay in the cracks, find- ing that was too much, he would not give up but sat on the ground handing chips to the daubers. Before sun- down I helped him back to the camp. As I saw him crawl into the shed and throw himself heavily on his rugs, I thought his call from his toils would come be- fore morning. But Degory Priest was up and abroad by the time I had come from the ship the next day. There was the look in his bloodshot eyes and haggard face of the hunted animal when at bay and fighting a losing battle. Though his steps were short and tottering, his courage was splendid. He still had strength to pick up chips, but that was all. My heart went out to him and I thought his heroism was past any that I had ever beheld. As he was moving feebly about his work, I saw him trembling as if about to fall, coming up to his side quickly I said, "My man, you should be in your rugs." "I will be there soon, and forever," came out of his throat with a peculiar sound. These were his last words, stooping to pick up a stick he fell forward on his face. There was a fleck of blood upon his lips and his breath came feebly from between his parched lips. We lifted him tenderly to carry him to his rugs. But he began his eternal journey, ere we finished ours. So died Degory Priest, the Leyden hatter. of tlje While the men labored and strove upon the bleak land, the women, children, and the sick remained in safety on the vessel. Captain Jones was not so impa- tient to be off, as his sailors were beginning to be stricken with scurvy from living on stale meat. The forecastle was filled with moans and groans of the poor fellows. It was evil with the seamen on this ship, who seemed to be more brutes than men, for they showed no kindness to each other, even looking with selfish eyes on the possessions of their comrades who were ill beyond recovery. Captain Jones rarely went ashore but sat in the round- house, swallowing his beer, cursing his ill fortune that kept him on one side of the ocean, when he should be well along upon his return. As a matter of fact he was afraid to venture out of sight of land. If we had not come from Cape Cod when we did, he might not have been able to have moved the ship at all. The captain was careful to conceal his fear of going to sea from the colonists. Captain Jones was surly enough at any time, but now as he saw his sailors lying sick and himself helpless, he drank his brandy more freely than his beer, so that his company was undesirable. When Jones was ill humored he would storm and threaten the colonists, but they gave little heed to his moods ; but it was when the mariner counted the cost of staying, calmly saying he must return shortly, that they 256 j)e jFounfctng of a Ration seemed alarmed. This fretting of the captain kept them toiling in the cold and sleet. Fortunately for me and the colonists, there came on a few bright days, bringing cheer to those on board as well as to the laborers in the great clearing. I made the most of these days, seeing Mistress Lora frequently upon the deck with Mistress Rose Standish who was ever hovering around her. She was such a good com- panion that I was glad to welcome her. My interest in the present struggle of the colonists, excited my curiosity about how they came to plan this voyage, and especially why they made it in the fall of the year instead of in the summer, when the sea was smooth and the land was dressed in green leaves instead of being covered with snow. I suppose I would never have heard the details of the wanderings of this band of Separatists had it not been for Mistress Rose Standish whom I had to come to know well. For one bright af- ternoon while I was standing at the side of the ship look- ing at the colonists laboring in the great clearing, she and Mistress Lora happened along. I fell to praising the courage with which the men who were unaccus- tomed to drudging toils endured them. Mistress Standish said that most of them were yeomen at one time. "But not in recent years?" I asked. "Nay, when they lived in England." Then Mistress Lora spoke forth, "When a little girl in the north of England, I remember when a few of these men came from their farms to our house and spent the Sabbath day in worship." Interested immediately at this bit of light on the early life of the colonists I asked, "Pray, where was this?" Is fetorp of tfje JJtlgnmtf 259 "In the manor house of Scrooby Palace in Notting- hamshire." Mistress Rose showing as great interest in the sub- ject as I did, I at once appealed to the maiden for more of her story. Looking around the deck and spying a nook in the angle between the bulwark and the cabin where we would be protected, I suggested that we be seated there, while the maiden told her memories. Not knowing how well the two women could stand the air with its tinge of cold, I brought a pair of rugs and made them comfortable. "My first recollection of my childhood," began the maiden, "was when Father kept the post-house on the Great North Road that led from Edinburgh to London. "Being a postman gave Father a position in Scrooby, so that others looked up to him, besides he was in touch with the people of quality. I have heard Father say, that when King James came down the Great North Road from Scotland, his retinue was so numerous as to cause the ignorant people to say that the Scotch were making a descent upon England. "Father was glad to welcome King James as monarch, for he now had hopes that an end would be made of the great controversy that had been going on for many years, as to the ceremonies of the established church. The Scotch king being an ardent Presbyterian, Father thought His Majesty would abolish the forms of service as established by King Henry the Eighth and his ad- visors in his church; moreover, that they would be sup- planted by the ways of the primitive church, formed after the dictates of the Bible. "I know naught of these church differences," ex- plained the maiden, "except what Father has told me, and narrated to others in my presence." 26o qfljje jf ounbtng of a Ration Then feeling that she must apologize to one that was a king's man and a firm believer in the established church, she said, "Master Beaumont, you must not judge Father harshly for what I am about to say, but if you would know our side, you must listen perhaps to some things which you have never heard before." I replied, "Mistress Lora, it is my duty to listen to you kindly." She smiled at me, and then went on with the ancient beginning of the differences, which, as she said, drove the colonists to come to the shores of the new country, by saying, "When King Henry the Eighth began to rule he was beholden to the Church of Rome, and for years was its champion. 'Tis said His Majesty fell out with that church, because the pope would not divorce him from his Queen Catharine of Spain. Father would have it differently, saying that the king was one of the wisest as well as the wickedest of men, conceiving the idea of controlling men's souls as well as their bodies. First King Henry had the pope delegate plenary pow- ers to an English primate, so that all disputes could be settled in England, without being referred to Rome. This was his first step towards establishing a church of his own. Shortly the king took the powers of the pope's legate unto himself, making himself the spiritual as well as the temporal ruler of his people." As I listened to the maiden's narrative of the origin of the established church of England, I imagined I could see the aged rector of our chapel throw up both of his hands exclaiming, "Impossible! Impossible!" "Father contends," she continued, "but for one, Mas- ter Cartright, who was so forward as to present a peti- tion to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, that she should of tfje pilgrims; 261 surrender her temporal powers to the church Presby- ters, all ceremonies would have been abolished in the state church. But as soon as Her Majesty felt this at- tempt of the reformers to gain a grip on her civil power, the queen and the nobles at once took sides against the reformers and their cause." I knew that Mistress Lora was speaking truthfully for my own father and mother had told me how "their dear church" was assaulted by the "heretical crew" as they called the dissenters. Their bitterness towards the reformers was so great that they would not allow them on our estate. I imbibed their feelings and looked with contempt and hatred on them, so I could verify this much of Mistress Lora's story. As the maiden looked across the bay where the non- conforming colonists \vere at work she continued with considerable animation. "Now it was that King James came riding down the Great North Road to our post-house on his way to London to mount the English throne. "King James, as I have said before, was a Presbyte- rian and a nonconformist, so that Father welcomed him as a liberator of his people. With a 'God-speed and a safe journey,' the king rode from our post-yard. "Great was Father's joy when he heard that our Pres- byterian king had called a conference at his palace, Hampton Court, where the conformists and noncon- formists were to adjust their differences. "But the conference had hardly begun, when the king began to cross-question and abuse the nonconformist champions, not permitting them to speak in their own behalf. In bitter words he condemned them, saying that the dissenters' doctrine of 'no bishop,' would soon 262 gtjje Jfounbing of a JJation lead to one of 'no king.' Though the discomforted men endeavored to assure His Majesty of their loyalty, he would not listen to them, sternly telling them unless they and their dissenting congregations made haste to come within the folds of the established church, accept- ing its doctrine and forms, he would harry them out of the kingdom. "After this convention Father, who was ever a de- termined and conscientious man, made no outcry of his intentions, but straightway sought out a nonconform- ing congregation at Babworth, which had for its preacher Master Richard Clyfton, a graduate of Cam- bridge University. The nonconformists being incensed over the attitude of the king, began to stir the parish of Babworth against this new decree, claiming it was the right of everyone to worship God according to his own conscience. "I have a distinct recollection of a pale faced young man coming to our house on a Sabbath morning," con- tinued Mistress Lora, "and walking with Father across the moors to Babworth. The young man was Master William Bradford, who has clung to Father ever since in more than passing friendship. "Master Bradford did not live at Scrooby, but in Austerfield, a little village about three miles away; though he had to walk eight miles to Babworth to church he rarely was absent, winter or summer. A va- cancy occurring in the Scrooby Church, Master Clyf- ton was transferred to our village parish, another Cambridge University preacher by the name of Master Robinson being his assistant. These two preachers, Father, and Master Bradford worked diligently among the farmers of the parish, who now became stubbornly g>torj> of tfje JJtlgnmtf 263 set that they would not worship except in their own manner." I said, "Mistress Lora, the farmers and yeomen of Leicestershire were equally as stubborn, for many of them held their conventicles in the woods." "So they did with us, Master Beaumont, as you shall shortly see," she replied. "For one year, the people worshiped in peace. Then, anon, one Sabbath, we came to the church to find its doors closed and the yard filled with pursuivants from the Court of High Commission. Father and Master Clyfton would know the cause of this action. They were plainly told that the prelates had decreed that un- less the Scrooby congregation at once conformed to the ceremonies as established by King Henry the Eighth, the doors of our church would rot off their hinges before they would open again to nonconformists. "Not contented with taking our church," she con- tinued, "these churchmen sent their constables and of- ficers after the poor farmers until they were frantic. A minister of the established church was sent to the parish and the church was opened, and if a man failed to at- tend the services, his enemies set the officers after him. When he was arrested and brought before a justice, questions were asked him, to which if he answered 'Yea' or 'Nay,' he was caught just the same. This fine plan came from the evil heads of the prelates, and it soon had the dull farmers of Scrooby so perplexed that they dare not answer a warrant, but would flee to the moors instead. "These apparitors or constables of the Court of High Commission were a low cunning lot, watching our house not only on the Sabbath, but observing closely all who 264 Hflfje jFounbing of a Ration came and went. In spite of this close watch the people held meetings in the forests or in a lonely spot on the fens." I could have told Mistress Lora of a conventicle of nonconformists which I helped to break up one Sab- bath day in Leicestershire near Beaumont Hall, but I was fearful lest she would refuse to speak to me again. "In the spring and summer," continued the maiden, "the outdoor meetings were not so uncomfortable, but the leaders knew that winter would put an end to them. To meet in a house would mean that the whole congre- gation would be seized and hauled to prison. At this juncture Father told of how in Holland, where he had been, the people followed their own beliefs in their own way, furthermore, suggesting that they all move thither. In September of 1607, the post-house was taken from Father, and a keeper of the established church put in his place. Constables were thick and persecutions many, so that in their desperation the people after much pray- er, decided to separate themselves from their country as well as their church. "Although laws were formed at London forbidding nonconformists from leaving the kingdom without license, the farmers of Scrooby began laying their plans for leaving England. The strong hearted were ready and anxious. The weaker members began excusing themselves. But those who would go to the number of about a hundred men, women, and children made ready. "Master Clyfton and Father going secretly to Bos- ton, arranged with an English master of a bark to set the company across the North Sea. When they returned, word was given out that all must repair to Boston upon of tfje $ilgrtm 265 a certain date, a rendezvous being arranged on the dock. "We were to have gone aboard the bark on a certain day, but its master failed to keep his appointment, so that we were compelled to lay through the night at an inn, which was beset by coarse men drinking ale. "We lingered through the next day, fearful each minute would bring the constables upon us for leaving England without license. Under cover of night we made our way to the vessel. But the people were doomed to disappointment. The master of the vessel had conspired with the constables and when he had us all aboard sent word to the officers. The servitors of the church coming aboard, in the name of the king ar- rested the congregation. The men, women, and chil- dren were forced into the small boats, but not until the men had been robbed of their money and the women treated to many indignities. Though it was night, we were all dragged ashore. I remember the scene of this landing, with the flaring torches lighting up the brutal faces of the constables, and the jeering crowd of towns- people who stood upon the dock. As we walked along the street, a rabble followed after us, calling us enemies of the king and other cruel names." I bit my lips in anger that the maiden should be so treated and began to see that after all, she had reason for looking with suspicion upon me. "We were led to prison," she continued, "instead of Holland. While the Boston authorities sent off to Lon- don for instructions what to do with us, the leaders were questioned and examined daily. We were con- fined for weeks and finally turned loose in the streets. Seven of the leaders were held in prison, so that the rest 266 ije Jfounbmg of a Ration of the company did not know what to do. Master Bradford fortunately was released and at once took charge, leading the party back to Scrooby. "Though the zeal of a few of the congregation grew cold after the trials of this adventure the rest were more determined than ever to escape from the country. Through this winter, the people, who had sold their possessions and been robbed of their money by the con- stables of the church, lived as best they could. In the meanwhile as Master Clyfton's ardor cooled, Master Robinson's increased, so that he was more forward in the matter of our second exodus. Lacking money our position seemed helpless, but we had many sympathi- zers among the rich, as well as the lowly, who secretly sent their means, until in the spring of 1608 we were again amply provided. "Master Bradford and Father this time journeyed to Hull where they found and contracted with a Dutch captain, who promised were we once aboard he would sail his lugger across to Holland. It was arranged that this seaman was to meet us on a lonely common between Grimsby and Hull, where there was an intake of the sea. These preparations being made, the party entered a boat on the Stream Idle, and floated down its sluggish current to the River Trent. There a bark awaited our coming which was to carry us to our rendezvous with the Dutchman. Entering quickly we made haste to get under way for fear of detection. The boat was so small that only the women and children could crowd into it, the men being compelled to walk across the country about forty miles. "The winds that blew us to our destination churned the sea into great waves. Coming to the intake and of tfje pilgrims; 267 finding the Dutchman had not appeared, our captain to be free from the rough sea, ran his bark into a small creek. Father and the rest of the men came safely across the country, and boarded our vessel while the tide was out and it was lying helpless in the soft mud. It was decided that part of the men should go aboard the Dutch ship, the rest of them remaining on the bark until the tide floated it. "In this we were disappointed, for the first boat load had hardly gotten aboard when the Dutch captain per- ceived a great crowd of constables with bills and guns coming across the common. Seeing that the country was aroused, he did not stop to pull his small boat from the water, but set sail with a few of our men. Most of them, however, were left on the beach, while we were fast in the mud. Abandoned and helpless, the women were once more submitted to the insults of the coarse constables. Mas- ter Robinson and Father told the men that were left to scatter and run, while they stayed behind to protect us. Master Bradford was aboard the lugger, which soon disappeared under full sail. Again were we carried before the magistrates and a second time thrown into prison. In our plight we were sent from one magistrate to another, until we were worn out and the justices likewise, as they did not know what to do with us. Finally seeing there was no law to prevent wives joining their husbands, and not having homes to go to, we were again set out on the street. "Having failed twice to move the congregation in a body, Pastor Robinson and Father began sending them over to Holland secretly, in parties of two and three. No one dared to be our friends openly, but after night 268 t)e jf otmbmg of a Ration the poor people of Scrooby came to us, bringing what money they could raise by the sale of their own cattle. Having seen all across the sea, we were the last ones to take a ship for Amsterdam in Holland. So we parted from the established church which persecuted us and in many furious and bitter words called us "Separatists." Instead of making us out a people who would worship as our conscience would tell us, we were accused of crimes against church and state, and were compelled to flee from England because of our disgrace." "Separatists are what you were called in Leicester- shire," I said. "Truly," was the maiden's answer, "and did you ever suppose that you would journey with such outcasts to America?" "Never," I replied. At this juncture Mistress Rose moved about as if un- comfortable, suggesting that the maiden finish her story at some other time. I was anxious to hear the rest, the day being warm, and there was no knowing when we would be able to sit on deck again. I offered to get cushions and went for them in spite of their protests. Returning and finding Mistress Lora willing to go on, I made them comfortable and taking my seat on a timber, facing the maiden, she again took up her narra- tive. "We found the men in Amsterdam, who had escaped on the Dutch lugger," she continued "though they were many days reaching land, being driven by a great storm up opposite the coast of Sweden. Having reached Holland the next serious problem was how we were to live. The men being farmers were at a loss in a great city, like Amsterdam, confronted by strange people, of te tlrtmg 269 who spoke a language which seemed hopelessly puz- zling for them to learn. "The task of earning daily bread pushed the men cruelly. The sturdy ones went amongst the shipping to aid in loading vessels. Others sought hard labor, but all were turned aside because they could not speak the language. "In Amsterdam there was already a congregation, known as the Ancient English Exile Church, under the teachings of Master Francis Johnson. In our extreme need these Englishmen came to our relief, otherwise many of us would have starved. My Father who was ever diligent found little employment. But all were patient and industrious in spite of their want. In time they began to learn various trades, even women working that they might not starve. So we struggled through the first year most of us thin and gaunt and hungry. "As there were great bickerings and scandal in the Amsterdam Church, the leaders of our people began to turn their heads towards another flight Coming far and enduring much to worship in peace, it was thought wise to move again. It was decided that Leyden, would be a suitable place for our final resting. In the year 1609, all our possessions were put on canal barks and we set sail for that city. Again poverty pressed us. In Amsterdam there were many places to work, in Leyden few. Those who labored divided with those who did not, so that we lived as one large family. Pastor Robinson became a teacher in the university; Father instructed young gentlemen in French and German, thereby gaining a scant living. Master Bradford learned silk dyeing; and Edward Til- ley became a silk worker. One man was driven to one 270 f)e jf ouniung of a Ration device and another to something else, until through ne- cessity, the farmers of England became tradesmen of Holland. During the season of these labors they held steadfastly to their worship, the toils of the week being forgotten as they sat on the Sabbath day and often two and three times a week, under the teachings of their be- loved pastor. As a matter of fact our people were a government unto themselves with Master Robinson rul- ing over them. "Our lot was so severe that some, who fled from Eng- land, returned smothering their consciences, rather than endure the hardships. There were some, however, who came over afterwards, giving what comfort they could to us from their estates. Among them was Governor Carver, who having married a sister of Pastor John Robinson, made him a visit. Finding himself of the same mind as our people, he gave up his possessions in England and came to live in Leyden. "Master Edward Winslow was not with us in the be- ginning, but came over to Holland of his own accord. Happening on some of our people on the streets in Ley- den, he came to a more intimate acquaintance with us. Being of a serious turn of mind, he tarried for a while, then married Elizabeth Barker, and likewise, became one of the congregation." At this juncture, the maiden turned to her companion, saying, "Mistress Rose, you know how the captain came to us. I fancy had the war between the Dutch and the Spaniards been maintained, Captain Standish would still have been fighting in Holland." Mistress Rose answered, "Lora, 'twas the love of ad- venture, I fear, that brought Captain Standish on this voyage." of tfje fWgrtm* 271 As they were inclined to argue more fully on the coming of Captain Standish, I asked the maiden, "The addition of Masters Carver, Winslow, and Captain Standish to your Leyden party gave you good hopes?" Then she replied, "Truly, but we had begun to pros- per before they came. Father, through the aid of an English merchant by the name of Thomas Brewer, se- cured type at which he worked until he could set them in order for books. At this time we lived in a narrow lane called the Steucksteg; from these lowly quarters we afterwards moved into a larger house on the Choor- steg Vicus Choralis close by the cathedral. There in an upper attic Father toiled secretly with his type, now and then bringing down a form which he quietly took to a neighboring printer. "Though we were prospering and were not in need of the necessities of life, a new sorrow came to the leaders of the congregation. The cause of it was, that the chil- dren were not following in the footsteps of the elders: some of the young men were joining the Dutch navy, others were off in distant seas in trading vessels, while the young women grew comely in the sight of the men of Leyden. The head men saw that when old stock was no more, their children would be absorbed by the Dutch people, and the church for which they had endured so much would come to an end. "Our elders, conceiving that they were called to estab- lish the church upon its primitive foundation, were greatly disturbed. They met many times at Pastor Robinson's house in the Klokluis to discuss what they should do. Father and Pastor Robinson were the prime movers in these conferences. "In the autumn of 1617, the agitation for the removal 272 fte Jf ounbing of a Ration to America began in earnest. The people were divided at once, the timid ones holding that the distance was too great, the winters too cold, and the savages too fierce. Then again they argued that the voyage was entirely too much of an undertaking for feeble people. The courageous answered that all great adventures were full of trials and agreed that such an undertaking was not to be entered into lightly. These daring spirits made the most of the fact that the great truce between the Dutch and Spaniards was shortly to come to an end, when Ley- den would once more be an armed camp. The outcome of the war no one could foresee. They argued that if the Spaniards should be successful, they would be more cruel than the Virginian savages. There was much wrangling and contention until finally those who were willing to make the voyage, formed themselves into a party. "Having decided to flee from Holland, the next dis- cussion was over the selection of the country. Some fa- vored Guiana, where the ground produced freely and quickly; and many became so fixed on going there that they finally said they would go there or stay in Leyden. "Pastor Robinson, Master Bradford, and Father fa- vored Virginia. This selection also caused much discus- sion as the people feared they would come under the royal governor at Jamestown, and under the Court of High Commission, which drove them from England. As Virginia seemed the most suitable, it was decided to send Governor Carver and Master Robert Cushman to London to do two things: first, arrange with the Vir- ginia Company of London for land to settle on; sec- ond, to secure a charter from King James that would grant them religious freedom in the wilderness of Vir- ginia. of tfje fJilgrimtf 273 "That part of the new world lying south of the mouth of Hudson's River was given by charter by the king to certain knights, gentlemen, merchants, and adventurers of London, who organized the Virginia Company of London. These men being pledged to plant colonies in this distant land, you can understand that Governor Carver and Master Cushman were made welcome and encouraged by the officers and stockholders of the com- pany. Securing land became an easy matter, so long as the men of Leyden agreed to settle below the mouth of Hudson's River. "But getting King James's consent to religious liberty even in the far-away forests of America was a more serious matter. Father knew Sir Edward Sandys who was high in the king's favor, also others of equally noble station. All these powerful influences were brought to bear upon His Majesty, but he steadfastly refused to grant the liberty asked for. All that the king would say was, that if we went to Virginia he would not look upon us as enemies of the church or state. This delay brought our affairs into the year 1618. "The king's refusal to grant the people religious free- dom was a great disappointment. Many declared bluntly that it was only a scheme of the church prelates to get them in their power, but the leaders were still strong for going, seeing fairness in the king's attitude. In fact they were encouraged by it, saying that His Majesty could not support a worship in one part of his kingdom and condemn it in another. After much dis- cussion and great wrangling, the majority of the people agreed to put their trust in the king's word and decided to go to Virginia. "At this same conference it was agreed that a new committee consisting of Robert Cushman and Father be 274 lje Jf ounbmg of a Ration sent to London to secure as broad letters patent as the Virginia Company could grant and upon the most fa- vorable terms. Setting off at once, they came to Lon- don only to find the Virginia Company in a turmoil. Sir Thomas Smith who, tiring of his position as gov- ernor and treasurer of the company, signified his desire to withdraw. When Sir Edward Sandys was elected to take his place, Sir Thomas found fault and drew the company into factions. I have heard Father tell of how he and Master Cushman went from one person to an- other, endeavoring in vain to get them to act upon the charter. "Weeks and months again dragged along while the two men were trying to secure action upon the grant. Finally in June, 1619, a patent was issued in the name of Master John Wincob, a goodly man of Lincolnshire, who was not of us in Leyden, though the leaders con- fided in him fully. "By this time the ardor of the Leyden congregation had begun to cool, owing to a mishap which befell a company of Separatists who had previously set out for Virginia under one Master Blackwell, an elder of the Amsterdam church. This Master Blackwell, conceiv- ing a plan of establishing a colony of Separatists on the Virginia coast, set sail with a large company of friends from Amsterdam. For weeks we had been waiting for some word of how our acquaintances fared in the new land. While the Leyden people were in the midst of planning for their charter and moving, word came of Master Blackwell -and evil it was. For of one hun- dred and eighty on board the ship, one hundred and thirty were dead before they reached Virginia, Master Blackwell dying and most of our Amsterdam friends. of flje igtlgrim* 275 "The people who were to stay in Leyden being fright- ened by this disaster endeavored to persuade the others not to go. Their talk was not without avail, for when Master Cushman and Father came back from London with word of the granting of the charter, there were only a few people who were anxious to go on the voy- age. Likewise, word came from London that the dis- aster that had overtaken Master Blackwell's colony had caused many of the London merchants to withdraw their support. "While the pall of Master Blackwell's expedition was still upon us, a party of Dutch merchants in Am- sterdam began negotiations offering to give us free ship- ping and cattle, if we would agree to settled in New Amsterdam on Hudson's River. This offer once more gave heart to the head men, as they saw a prospect of making the voyage a success. Freedom of religion be- ing granted, Virginia was forgotten for the moment. "While the negotiations were going on with the Am- sterdam merchants, Master Weston, a London mer- chant, came to Leyden. He announced that if we would give up our plans with the Dutch merchants, certain London men would advance sufficient money for the voyage. Master Weston being known, his word was taken as though the matter were finally settled. The Amsterdam merchants were notified of the election of Virginia, thus stopping further dealings with them. "A solemn day of fast was then set on which to make an end of the talk of the voyage. All day long the people kept within the walls of the pastor's house, pray- ing and discussing, discussing and praying over who should go and who should stay. Finding that many more were willing than could be conveniently taken, a 276 f>e jFounbmg of a Station choice was made of those who were to go first. A ma- jority of the congregation deciding to stop in Leyden, it was agreed that Pastor John Robinson was to stay with them. "Ere Master Weston returned to London, he asked that a contract be agreed upon, whereby the merchants would be assured of the return of their money. The conditions I do not remember, further than that for seven years all were to work as one people : the crops, the profits of fishing, and trucking with the Indians were to be held in common during this period, then to be divided equally between the colonists and merchants. Master Weston had a convincing manner withal, so that the people confidently began to sell their possessions and make ready for the voyage according to his word. "Governor Carver shortly went to London carrying with him the agreement which Master Weston and the colonists had determined upon. When the London merchants heard the terms of the contract, they began to find fault with it, demanding certain changes. A new paper was sent to the men in Leyden which they refused to sign, insisting that the old one met their minds in fairness. The London merchants were stiff necked, until Master Cushman secretly changed the contract to meet their views without letting the people in Leyden know what he had done. So many conflicting state- ments of what the London merchants wanted and de- manded came at this time to Leyden, that no one knew what to believe. "In June, 1620, there came a breach between Master Weston and the Leyden church over the contract, which threatened to put an end to the voyage. Instructions were sent to Master Robert Cushman that he must be dtorp of tfje fttlgrim* 277 firmer in his dealings with the London merchants; he replied with such words, as made many sorry that he had been entrusted with the business. Master Weston, who had evidently been acting in bad faith, now wrote that if he had not already risked so much he would with- draw, but in order to save what he had invested he must go on. "The next we heard was that one, Master Reynolds, an English sea captain, had arrived in Rotterdam to fit out a small ship, which was to be carried to Virginia to be used for fishing. Pastor Robinson, Master Allerton, and Father had already planned for this ship and were holding off its purchase until it was definitely settled what assistance was coming from the London adven- turers. Now that Master Weston had declared they were prepared to go on, Father and his associates went to buy the ship. When they returned from Rotterdam, saying that a vessel had been purchased, the people be- gan to feel that the voyage was really to be undertaken. From this day forth no one gave thought but of pre- paring for his journey to Virginia." "What of the London people?" I asked curiously. Desiring to know how they came to be mixed with the Leyden party. Replying to my question, the maiden said, "Master Beaumont, while we in Holland were preparing to go, another party was forming in London, who were stran- gers to us but friends of the London adventurers and merchants. Priscilla Mullins told me but the other day that the first she knew of her family's coming was in June a few weeks before sailing. Her father was one of the London merchants who was advancing the monev and evidentlv came on that account. When 278 f)e Jf otmfcins of a Ration Masters Weston and Cushman contracted for this ship, it was lying at the London docks, there it stayed until it was repaired and made ready for the voyage. While Governor Carver and Master Cushman represented the Leyden church, the Londoners named Master Christo- pher Martin to act as treasurer for their funds." At this point I interrupted Mistress Lora, asking why the London people were taken, when there was not suf- ficient room for those from Leyden. "Master Beaumont," she replied, "the London mer- chants would have it that they were to nominate certain families who were to go on the voyage. Pastor Robin- son endeavored to find out who they were to be and what trades they possessed, but got little satisfaction." Mistress Rose was not so much interested now and complained of the cold, so that I brought her another rug and would have done as much for the maiden, but she would not have me, saying she would finish her story some other day. I begged her to go on fearing it would be some time ere she had another opportunity. My insisting pleased the maiden. Giving me a smile, she took up her story again by saying, "Pastor Robinson conceived that the people should have some definite plan of government fixed in their minds before they left Leyden, and began working on such forms of control with the head men. I remember one day when there came to our house the pastor, Mas- ters Bradford, Allerton, Winslow, Captain Standish, and Father. Mother, my sisters, who are still in Hol- land, and myself at the time were busy sewing on gar- ments we were to take with us on the voyage. In this room littered with threads and cloth cuttings, the men held their conference, while we kept on with our work. of tfje pilgrims; 279 "I overheard Pastor Robinson saying that he was greatly perplexed about a governor for the colony, when the people landed in America. He was fearful that the Virginia Company would try to appoint a governor, which, in fact, would be one of King James's choosing. While the pastor talked, the others sat in silence, for they were equally at a loss to know in what manner they had best be governed. "As near as I could understand, Pastor Robinson held that all the people should have a voice in selecting their ruler. Masters Winslow and Allerton could not agree with this universal power, holding that only a few of the wise men should select their ruler. But the pastor sup- ported by Master Bradford and Father, after much laboring with the others, got them to agree that all of the people should select the governor instead of a few. "On the following day, for Pastor Robinson was now holding forth to his people thrice a week, the plan of granting power to each adult man was submitted. Then it was that the new method was put in effect, first, by having those that were going on the voyage separate themselves from the others; second, by having these men select their ruler on shipboard. Master Carver who was away at Southampton purchasing supplies, be- ing named and voted in as governor of the Speedwell without a dissent. "Masters Bradford and Allerton," continued the maiden, "were sent to buy Dutch butter, cheese, salt, and fishing-nets for the planters. Meanwhile Master Reynolds, the English pilot, was overlooking the fitting out of the small vessel at Rotterdam with new masts and sails. Such going back and forth between the houses and gathering together of things to take aboard 280 i&tyt Jf ounbing of a Station ship now took place, that one can not conceive of, unless he was in the midst of the confusion." Then with a smile the maiden said, "Mother had a brood of chickens which bothered her, almost as much as the caring for the rest of the family. One old hen, she held, was well seasoned and would stand the voyage to the new country better than the others, and insisted that she would have it in the great cabin with the rest of us. Then there were flowers and bushes to be brought, with the earth so dug that it stay firmly around the roots. Mistress Rose can vouch for these labors, for she has her own lilac bush now in her cabin, sleeping safely in its Dutch soil. "During the month of July everyone was busy. Rumors were flying from lip to lip that this person had decided to stay and that one had determined to go, that Mistress Fuller had finally decided to stay in Leyden, and that Captain Standish would take a linked coat of mail. To add to this confusion came many differing messages from England, so that one was not sure, what was true and what was not. Amidst these various ru- mors the day of departure was fixed for July twenty- fifth. "As time went by, the repairs on the ship lagged ; and it became evident that a later day must be fixed for our leave taking. After a conference with Captain Reynolds Friday, July thirty-first was finally agreed upon. Some of the people doubted it, but it proved to be true enough. "Though Friday was the day of our departure, Thurs- day was given over to fasting and supplications. Early in this day all of the congregation gathered under the roof of Pastor Robinson and there communed with each other. As a farewell message the Pastor discussed upon a text from Ezra, viii, 21. of tje litlgnms. 281 "When the day wasted and the candles were lighted, the people were called from their fasting to a feast which had been prepared as a farewell entertainment. Our people were ever given to this exchange of fellow- ship and hospitality. Though some were in tears, most of them were in good humor forgetting for the moment the separations of the morrow. "Early Friday morning, we gathered at Pastor Rob- inson's house to bid farewell to those who were left be- hind. With heavy hearts we walked along the Repen- burg, until we came to the canal barges on which we were to go. All the people knelt on the paved way whilst the pastor prayed. Many sobbed bitterly. But we made a brave show of our courage and quieted their fears by saying we would soon see each other again. Then the bitterness of the real parting came. Stepping on board the barges, the Dutch laborers cast loose the moorings and we began our journey through the canals to Delfhaven where we were to take our ship. "On Saturday morning we were driven fast by our fates, for the sun had hardly shown red when our barges approached the docks. Captain Reynolds, our English pilot, was walking back and forth impatiently on the quay. As we came near he shouted that the wind favored sailing and no time must be lost in getting aboard. In a moment all was confusion. I confess I had looked upon our going as a sort of an excursion. Throwing my arms around my sisters neck I wept, but before I had finished my cry, the barges were at their moorings and the people going ashore. "There was great confusion on deck. Though our heavy furniture and supplies were already packed in the hold, the things we brought with us on the barges 282 fte Jfounfcing of a were being piled pell-mell about us. As we were standing watching the sailors clambering up and down the masts, I heard the coarse voice of Captain Reynolds shouting to Master Robinson that he was ready to sail. "Gathering around our beloved pastor for the last time, he bade us sing a melody. We felt more like cry- ing than singing. Then we knelt together on the deck for the last time. Our pastor with clasped hands and face looking upwards petitioned for our safe carriage across the seas, guidance in our landing, and protection in our settling. By his side knelt Father and close by him Masters Bradford and Winslow, who were com- forting their weeping wives. Stealing a look around the deck, I saw the tears streaming down the cheeks of the men and women. "While we were at prayer, Captain Reynolds moved impatiently among the sailors, as if he would hurry our parting. As our pastor ceased speaking a silence fell upon us, and all stayed fixed upon their knees, unwill- ing to move, fearing the end. One of the women could stand the strain no longer, throwing her arms around her husband's neck she wept aloud. Then as one peo- ple we arose and began our farewells. "Captain Reynolds, mindful only of the state of the tide and winds hurried all ashore. Leaning over the side of the ship I saw the white faces of the women and the calmness of the men. "The rasping of a sliding board as it fell on the quay cut off the ship from the shore. The captain gave a command. I saw the cable slacken at the bow, then a Dutch sailor unloosened the end on the quay and, hold- ing it a moment, dropped it heavily into the sea. As the breach between the ship and our friends widened I of tfje ^Pilgrim* 283 felt a pang of sorrow -our worldly ties were breaking. As we drifted away from the pale faces on the dock, we began to sing a psalm, sending this last message across the water, so that even the stolid Dutch people were affected to tears by the melody. "Captain Reynolds essayed to add to the scene by the discharge of three of his small cannons. When the smoke had drifted away and the air once more cleared, the faces on the quay were whitened blurs but the wavering melody came from their lips as a last farewell message from their loving hearts, and we were at last started on our voyage to Northern Virginia. "Ere we reached the sea Master Bradford said we were 'Pilgrims' and thus the name was fixed upon us." During the recital of the maiden's narrative the sun had sunk well down to the tops of the trees along the great clearing, filling the air with the chill of the even- ing. So I hastened her that she might finish her story ere the men came from their labors ashore. To my urging she said, "Our voyage down the chan- nel to Southampton was a pleasant one, arriving on Wednesday morning, August fifth. This vessel, the Mayflower, was already at anchor, having come around from London the week before and was now taking on its supplies. "Everything went well until Saturday. Master Wes- ton, the London merchant, had arrived the day before with an agreement, different from the one that had been settled upon, insisting that it be signed before the two vessels sailed. Master Weston, making this demand on the eve of departure, angered the men so that they refused to sign, saying it was not in accordance with their understanding. Master Weston in great wrath 284 }je Jfounbing of a Ration said, 'Then you must stand by yourselves, for not anoth- er penny will be advanced you,' and left the ship. "Our people were in great distress for they owed the merchants of Southampton one hundred pounds and had not the funds to pay. Master Carver who had been in the town purchasing supplies was puzzled what to do. Master Allerton suggested that a part of the Dutch butter be disposed of. Though this was taking part of the supplies, they decided to do so rather than submit to the injustice. So the butter was taken ashore and sold. On Friday morning, August fourteenth, the two ships set sail for America." The maiden continued, "If I were to follow the do- ings of those two vessels it would take me past night- fall, so I will say that apparently Captain Reynolds and his crew on the smaller vessel who were under con- tract to stay in the new country for a year tired of their bargain, and began to conspire reasons against going. First the captain discovered a leak so that we put into Dartmouth for repairs, so that it was September second before the vessels left that port. A second time the voyage was begun, the 'Pilgrims' as Master Bradford would call us, hoped they were at length safely started. "Captain Reynolds in the Speedwell could not keep up with the larger vessel and complained that he did not have sufficient provisions for the voyage; little at- tention was paid to this, until he reported that his vessel was filling and was likely to sink. Some would have it that the captain worked the hull intentionally by carry- ing too much sail. At all events the two ships turned back to Plymouth, though they were past England by one hundred leagues. Finding that Captain Reynolds would not carry his ship to Virginia, it was decided to of tfje pilgrims; 285 abandon it and all go in the larger one. There were about twenty of the colonists who had become discour- aged. These were put on board the Speedwell and sent back to London. "The Leyden 'Pilgrims' were now placed on the great vessel and Master Carver made governor. Though the stay at Plymouth was made pleasant by entertainment of friends in the town, our people were uneasy lest they be cast ashore in winter time and left to freeze and starve. On September sixteenth, Captain Jones set sail, that being our third departure for Amer- ica. Master Beaumont, you know the rest better than I do, since you live with the master of the ship." Mistress Lora had hardly ceased her story when we heard the dipping of oars in the sea ; looking up, we saw the shallop filled with Pilgrims coming from their day's tasks. Mistress Rose went to the side of the ship to welcome the toilers, while I lingered by the side of the maiden. As I gathered my rugs together I said, "Mistress Lora, I thank you," and held out my hand to her. She did not hesitate this time to grasp it in a friendly man- ner. Jf ear of Snbtan Attack After the sunny afternoon on deck, when the maiden had given her memories, we were not so distant. Though the weather was bad, the rain and sleet coming out of the dull clouds with greater frequency than I liked, there were few days we did not see each other. As I sat in my alcove I would keep a close watch upon the deck. When I saw her white hood, I would saunter out for an airing. Once upon the deck, I would take the opposite side on which I had seen the Pilgrim maid- en, then coming around the end would come upon her as if unexpected, and was surprised at her presence. At such times the maiden's cheeks would grow red and with sparkling eyes she would ask how the day found me. Though they were simple questions, they pleased me. Then we would walk the deck together or tarry at the side of the ship looking across the bay where the men were at work in the clearing, until her mother called her or the darkness drove us in. The more I saw of this Pilgrim maiden, the more I recognized her rare spirit, and the more anxious I became about the log houses. From the maiden I learned that though there were twenty-four married men, only eighteen had their wives with them, besides these were fifteen single men. As all could not build houses, the leaders divided the col- onists so that they made nineteen households and each 288 gpfje ;f ounbing of a Ration of these were intended to build a house. For the sake of protection, the houses were to be built on both sides of a lane, running parallel to the brook, from the sea up to and including the high mound. Houses on one side of the lane were to have lots running back to the brook, while the others were to face them. As it was manifest the land along the brookside would be more convenient to the water, a dispute arose at once as to who would have them. This contention was overcome by the casting of lots for the choice plots. Afterward as I watched the col- onists play with their fates, I thought surely this new form of government was working wonders with men's characters as well as their ruling; for there sat Gov- ernor Carver with power to divide this choice land be- tween himself and his lieutenants, without raising his hand to take this advantage. In England, a nobleman would have said I want this plot, the remainder you can fight over. Here the governor took the names of the nineteen households, writing them on nineteen pieces of paper and cast them in his hat, each man drawing by lot. The first choice went to Peter Browne, then the name of John Goodman was called out, and after him came Elder Brewster. John Billington was followed in suc- cession by Master Isaac Allerton, Francis Cook, Master Edward Winslow and Captain Standish. In all fair- ness the men played at the game of locating themselves, so that no one had an advantage over the other. The drawing of the lots being on Wednesday, I went ashore Thursday morning, January seventh, to see what choice the men made. After looking over the ground, Peter Browne selected his site next to the common- jf ear of in&tan attack house, where he was near the sea and the brook; John Goodman who had second choice, fancied the ground alongside Browne. The men went along the bank as the selections were made so that each one knew what he was choosing. The elder having third choice selected a site next to Goodman's. As the rest went on up the hill, I tarried on the ground selected by the elder, going down to the brook in my examination. There I found that the spring and the willow trees clustered around it had fallen to the elder's lot. This same evening Captain Standish came into the roundhouse, saying that the ground had been divided and that Mistress Rose would go ashore the next day to view their building site. My heart was filled with the hopes that he would say the maiden was to be of the party, but in this I was disappointed. We had a quiet chat and an exchange of healths from our pewter mugs. On the morrow I was about the deck early, for the Pilgrims did not tarry long in their beds, being up and away before the break of day. Captain Standish com- ing out of the cabin, I stopped him and said if he would trust me with the safety of his wife, I would bring her ashore after the sun had taken the chill out of the air. He was not prepared to assent to this arrangement with- out first considering his wife's wishes. Coming back shortly, he said if I would accept the burden of two women, that Mistress Lora would go ashore as well. Gravely I gave my promise of seeing them ashore and the captain went off contentedly with the men in the shallop. About nine when the sun broke through the clouds, 290 Wfje Jf ounfcing of a I climbed down to the deck, to be confronted by the matron and the maiden ready for their voyage ashore. Since the falling overboard of Mistress Dorothy May Bradford at Cape Cod, the women were not trusted to go down the ladder to the boat, without a rope fastened around their waists. I passed the rope around Mistress Rose with deliberate calmness and held the other end until she stepped into the long boat in safety. For some reason the rope did not act as quickly with the maiden as with the matron, as I was very much longer in ad- justing it to my satisfaction. As we approached the shore I could see the walls of the common-house rising above the tops of the brush, growing along the top of the low cliff facing the sea. We could hear the chopping off in the forest and now and then see the men going to and fro. Half way up the clearing the men were at work on a platform on which to mount the cannon, the dread of the savages being such that with the building of the first house, a fort was raised to protect it. While the sailors held the long boat, I handed the ladies out on the great rock. The men having already worn a beaten path through the shrubbery of the clearing from the rock up to the common-house, I led the way up this narrow footing with my snap chance loaded and thrown over my shoul- der; while the maiden quite naturally fell in behind me, Mistress Rose coming last. In this manner we came up to where the men were laboring, long pine logs strew- ing the ground, where the men had dragged them. Governor Carver with his hose and doublet coated with mud was hard at work on the chimney. Some of the men wished to make the chimneys of stone and gathered a small pile for their purpose, but the frost held them in the ground so tightly the plan was aban- Jfear of Snbian attack 291 doned, and Master Stephen's clay chimney was adopted instead. The governor was hanging over this pile of sticks and mud, daubing in the clay with both hands. A look of surprise came over his face as he saw us. I fancied that it was a bit of his pride, as it was his habit to be neatly dressed. Mistress Rose suspecting it otherwise said, "Governor Carver, Master Beaumont under the captain's orders has brought us ashore to view our building plots which were chosen yesterday." With both hands covered with the clay the governor straightened himself up on the narrow platform, mak- ing a dignified picture of an artisan at work. For a moment he stood looking down upon us then replied, "I fear you will not profit much by looking on the land now." "But we would see how well you have located us," continued Mistress Rose. "The best we could do, Mistress Standish, was bad enough at this season." "It will improve with spring," she answered cheerily. The gray haired governor answered, "Truly," then went back to daubing the chimney. Being anxious to show the maiden her dwelling place, I edged away from the working men, taking both of the women with me, leading them up a path through the brush towards the high hill. Coming opposite the willows that grew around the spring, I came to a stand- still ; breaking a way through the undergrowth, we came to the top of the bank overlooking the brook. The willows were the largest trees left in the clearing, the savages even in their fight for food respecting the ancient monarchs. Leading the way down the bank to the stately wil- 292 gflje jf ounbmg of a Ration lows, we stood over the water as it came from the ground and flowed into a little pool beneath the roots of the trees down to the brook. The trees gave her as much pleasure as the spring, for laying her hand on the rough bark endearingly, she said she trusted they would know each other better. Turning from the willows, the maiden knelt upon the ground and bending over drank deeply of the waters, so worshiping first at this wilder- ness fountain. Mistress Rose would taste the waters as well, so I laid a stone close to the pool from which we both drank, but only the maiden from the spring. Having viewed the site of the Brewster home, Mis- tress Rose would see her own. Leading them back to the path, we made our way through the brush up to the incline where Captain Standish was at work on his plat- form fort. He was tugging at the end of a pine log; his clothes covered with mud and torn in places. The timber once in place, he struck his hands together to brush the clay from them. The captain was devoted to his wife and was pleased to see her, as well as to show some courtesies to Mistress Lora and myself. Proudly the captain showed us about his log platform on which he proposed to mount the canon, now lying in the hold of the vessel. This fort was lodged about half way up the incline, overlooking the great clearing in which the houses were to be built. Standing on one end of a log the captain pointed out the land and the sea. This was the first view of the harbor and the wideness of its waters that the women had from the land. As I was silently looking oceanward, Mistress Standish slyly said, "Master Beaumont, see you England?" Struck by this queer question I answered, "Not so, Mistress Rose." Jfear of 3nbtan attack 293 "You were looking so intently towards the east, it came to me perhaps you were dreaming of your home country." " 'Tis yours as well," I replied hastily. "Nay, this is our country now," and she looked around her. "If you would know my thoughts Mistress Rose, they were not of myself but your poor people, when the ship returns to England." The captain set his jaw and answered, "Our lot has been cast on this shore, and here we must go on." "At what sacrifice!" " 'Tis no sacrifice, but our duty," he answered. "And the women?" The captain's voice softened, "Would that I could take their burden from them." The cheery voice of Mistress Rose brought us away from our doleful subject, back to the work at hand, so that we were soon interested in the new log fort. We did not tarry long in the brush as Mistress Rose was satisfied in seeing her home site. With this desire of hers gratified, we turned back to the path and fol- lowed it down past the common-house, where the men were working at their tasks. With a word from the governor who was still laboring over the clay chimney, we went on down to the great rock on the beach, where the long boat was awaiting us. The sun was still high in the heavens when we reached the ship. I lingered on deck, hoping Mistress Rose would take herself to the great cabin, but she tarried until I was compelled to say a "Good day" to both of them, instead of to one as I wished. The day following the trip ashore, I was seated in the 294 W&t Jf ounbing at a alcove. The heavens being overcast, I did not choose to venture out with my fowling-piece. I was in a surly mood over a base act of Captain Jones. One of the sea- men happening to find a herring washed upon the shore seized upon it as a delicacy, which it surely was. Cap- tain Jones shortly came into the boat and spying the fish, immediately took possession of it, sending it to the cook with orders to prepare it for his own table. In spite of his sick sailors and the colonists who needed the juices of fresh foods to nourish their ill bodies, he ate this lone herring himself. This little act of meanness was still sticking in my throat, as I sat in the alcove ready to flame up at the first opportunity. While in this mind I was looking off over the bay at the far-away forests. Of a sudden my eye caught a peculiar haze in the sky, looking again, to my great astonishment I perceived it to be a column of smoke rising above the tree-tops. Rushing to the win- dow I saw it was dense and was curling from an active fire. Not content with the view, I hurried on deck. There could be no denying that the savages were abroad, signaling an alarm to each other. This message could be none other than the presence of the colonists in the great clearing. I decided not to alarm the women, but carry the discovery quickly to the men ashore. Hurrying into the roundhouse I plucked my musket and its trappings from its fastenings. Captain Jones was seated over a mug of ale. I called his attention to the smoke, he looked at it dully from the window, but made no move towards the relief of the colonists. Giv- ing him a look of disgust I left the cabin. Leaping into the long boat, I bade the sailors row me ashore with haste. I was in readiness to leap when the Jfear of Snbian Attack 295 boat reached the rock, and ran up the bank, coming out of breath to the common-house, where the men were laboring. Seeing my great haste and surmising some- thing was wrong, they dropped their tools, seizing their pieces. Calling the governor, I pointed out the column of smoke which was still rising in a cloud. There was no thought of work now, the men gathered around, looking at the menacing thing. The gray haired governor lost no time. As we were still idly gazing at the smoke, he set ofif his musket to call the men from the woods. Those who were work- ing on the hillside came running down the path. To my surprise Captain Standish was not with them. Hur- rying up the path I let off my snap chance. Several men came running from the forests, leading them was the captain holding his gun ready for the fray. Seeing me on the hillside with the smoke still coming from the throat of my piece, he turned towards me. Without waiting for him to speak I pointed to the column of smoke. He took one glance exclaiming, "Savages!" Without stopping to explain, Standish turned and ran towards the common-house with me following at his heels. There we found the men in confusion, some of them pale and scared, while others were nervous and restless not knowing which way to go or what to do. This was not surprising, for how could you expect farmers to take on the ways of experienced soldiers in the presence of danger. Captain Standish took com- mand, ordering the men to get within the walls of the common-house, there he instructed each man to push out the mud from between the logs making an opening for the muzzle of his gun. Within the log fortress the 296 Wyt Jfounbmg of a Ration men made ready for the attack with surprising willing- ness. All day long we lingered within the common- house, expecting each moment that the savages would come from the forests. As night came on, sentinels were posted and the fire on the hearth stones was covered, so that we sat in the darkness, broken here and there by the red spark of burning gun matches. The men being tired and weary from their labors of the day, I suggested to the captain that he send them to their rugs, while we stood guard. Standing in the shadows of the half finished house, Captain Standish opened up a question which was on his mind and that was my duel with La Valle in Devon- shire Hall. He was not sly or artful in questioning, but bluntly asked me of the combat. With our ears pricked for the least noise, I quietly told him the be- ginning and ending of the difficulty. When I came to the part where the man endeavored to blind me by lowering his candle, the captain laid his hand on my knee saying, " 'Twas most unfair, Master Beaumont." As the dull light of the beginning of a gray winter's day ended our night watch, the captain and I aroused the men from their hard beds. Though the column of smoke had disappeared, the colonists were fearful of the woods, staying in the common-house. This fear caused Governor Carver to decide on a bold plan, and that was to seek the savages, finding out quickly whether they were bent on peace or war. As it was to be an expedi- tion of adventure I at once declared myself ready to go with them. Without further ado, we set off in the direction of the smoke with Captain Standish leading the way. Jfear of 3nbian attack 297 Many times we stopped at sounds in the forests which we fancied were footsteps of the wild men. Then we came upon an overgrown clearing, on the farther side of which we could see the tops of bark houses. Taking a final look at our guns, we advanced boldly towards the huts only to find them unoccupied. Though we ranged the woods all the rest of the day we did not see another house nor a sign of the savages. I am free to confess that we were disappointed, it be- ing the desire of all that fear of the savages be confirmed or dispelled. At night we returned to the great clearing, where we found the men still in the common-house anxiously awaiting our return. Feeling that there was nothing more to do, I decided to return to the ship, leav- ing the colonists alert and active against surprise. The next day it rained hard so that I was content to stay within my dry cabin on the ship, but I was still un- easy about the men on shore, and from time to time looked out the window to see that all was well. Happening out on deck shortly before twilight I met the maiden; without waiting, she said, "Master Beau- mont, why did you not tell us of the smoke?" I was somewhat abashed at her unexpected question but made haste to reply, "Mistress Lora, I would not frighten you unnecessarily." "We have come through too much to be fearful now. What of the savages? Did you find them?" "Nay not one," I answered. "Do you think we will be at peace or war with them?" "Truly, I do not know, neither can I fancy. 'Tis always wise to be ready for an attack; with Captain Standish on guard, you may be sure that the savages will not come upon the colonists unawares." QPfje Jf ountmtg of a Ration "But will they attack?" she insisted. Then I blurted out, "Surely, they will," speaking the truth as I felt it. It was a cruel thing to say, and I saw my mistake be- fore the words had left my lips. Her face grew grave as she looked off where the men were working with feverish activity in completing the common-house. From where we were standing, I showed her the light reflecting from the new yellow thatched roof, which was now almost spread over the whole house. Then I tried to allay her fears by saying, "When the common- house is completed the arrows of the savages can not penetrate its walls." She replied anxiously, "But the men can not live within the walls always." When she pushed the matter of the danger of the sav- ages, I fended it off as best I could; but I could not en- courage her in the belief that the men were dwelling in safety ashore. I was in constant fear myself and wondered why the savages had not already attacked. Feeling as I did, I could not conceal my uneasiness and I think the maiden left me with a heavy heart, though I did my uttermost to relieve it. Now it was that a great fear of the savages came upon the colonists. The incident that stirred this dread oc- curred several days after we had seen the column of smoke. My entrance into the affair was entirely through the solicitation of Mistress Lora. One afternoon as I was gazing out the window of the cabin, exceedingly tired from the exertions of a morning's fowling in the marshes, I was startled by the door being thrown wide open and Mistress Lora rushing in exclaiming excited- ly, "Oh, Master Beaumont, the savages have carried off John Goodman and Peter Browne." Jfear of Snbian Attack 299 "What!" I answered. Again she repeated, "The savages have carried off John Goodman and Peter Browne, and I would have you know it." Before I could speak she began to excuse her coming by saying, "Perhaps I came too quickly, but I thought Captain Jones and you would like to know." "Nay, Mistress Lora, await my coming on deck." Scurrying around I buckled on my armor. With musket in hand, I hastened to the deck. There was great confusion. The women and children, ranged along the side of the ship, stood with fear and trembling. The maiden was among them with pale face but per- fectly calm. Seeing me in my armor she came to me quickly, plucking nervously at my sleeve she whispered, "You will protect Father?" "With my life," I answered as I went down into the small boat. The sailors lost no time rowing ashore. Hastening to the common-house, I found the colonists drawn up in battle formation. Advancing to Captain Standish, I asked, "Where are the savages?" "Indeed, we have not seen them." "What of John Goodman and Peter Browne, and why this preparation?" I asked hurriedly. "Four men," replied the captain, "went forth this morning armed with sickles to cut wild grass for thatch- ing. Mid-morning John Goodman and Peter Browne went on to discover a new place, bidding the other men to follow; when the two had bound the cut grass, they proceeded to the place where Goodman and Browne were to be but failed to find them. After vainly shout- ing and searching for their missing companions, the men came running back with the report that they had 300 flfljje jfounbing of a been taken by the savages. Governor Carver with sev- eral men is now searching for them, and we are stand- ing at arms ready to go to their aid in case of need." Not seeing the elder I asked, "Where is Elder Brew- ster?" "With the governor." "Pray, how many are in the party?" "Four, besides the governor." "Five men, alone in a forest filled with savages!" I exclaimed in amazement. "That was all we could send." I felt that my pledge had been given to the maiden for the safety of her father, and as a Beaumont it was now dependent upon me to fulfill the promise, even at the sacrifice of my own life. "Captain Standish," I ex- claimed, "send me forth with others for their relief, for they will surely perish." He did not answer at once but walked back and forth with his long sword dragging at his heels, while his men looked at him wonderingly. After he had made a turn or two, he said in his quick decisive way, "Master Beau- mont, if you will go after the party, you may have two or three men." "As many as you please," was my reply. The captain then asked for two volunteers; these came quickly, for the colonists were anxious now to bring the savages to close quarters. Tightening my powder and shot-belt, I started with my two men on the path of the governor's party. Coming to the spot where Goodman and Browne were last known to be, I exam- ined the ground carefully and found where the brush had been broken down as if the men had fought man- jfear of Jntoan Attack 30* fully for their lives. This evidence seemed to confirm our suspicions that the two had been carried away by the savages. With this feeling we again took up our march, stop- ping to listen from time to time if we might hear sounds of savages or of the governor's party. The dread of the wild men was upon me, as well as on the others, for I did not know their way of fighting, nor could I forget the terrible stories of the sufferings of some of the Eng- lishmen in Virginia, who had fallen into their hands. If they had been men of valor and fought in the open, my mind would have been at ease ; but this leaping from tree to tree and shooting arrows into one made me quail. In the daylight we followed the governor's party by broken bushes and markings of their feet in the wet soil. But the sun set, leaving us in darkness surrounded by high hills. It was useless to go farther, nor could we return. Leading the way up to the crown of a high hill, I bade the men prepare for the night. While I was bending over tinder preparing to strike a spark I was startled by the report of a musket. Springing to my feet I listened for another, not hearing it I seized my gun; calling over my shoulder for my men to follow me, I started off on a run in the direction of the report. All I could think of was that disaster had over- whelmed the governor's party and perhaps we had heard the last shot of the tragedy. As we hastened along over the rough ground, there was another gun- shot, this time nearer than before, so that I had hopes of coming to the rescue. A great hill was in front of us, the top of which was clear of trees. As we came out of the forests I thought I observed something unusual at 302 qftt jFounMng of a its crown. I kept on at a rapid pace until I stumbled over a timber. As I rose to my feet I caught a glimpse of a half finished house. While I was standing dazed at my discovery, there was a flash and roar of musket down by the common- house, then I knew that we had traveled in a circle and the guns we had been following were signals for us. Taking our leisure we went down the path hesitating whether to smile or get angry. We forgot these differ- ing moods, when we found that the governor and his party had returned in safety. Walking over to a log in front of the fire, I stood my gun against it and began munching a stale piece of bread, which I found in the pocket of my greatcoat. Though darkness hung over the trees making it im- possible for the men to see, still some of them set forth to seek their companions. I stayed back resting under the new thatched roof of the common-house. Master Bradford a few days before had been suddenly and grievously stricken. He was lying now upon his thin bed, watching with anxious eyes the preparations of the men who were going forth to the rescue. Though he was weak and trembling, he urged the men to be on constant guard against surprise, giving what cautious advice he could. One of the men, who was going into the woods, loaned me his sleeping- rug; stealing into one corner of the fireplace, I lay down on the stones and was soon asleep. I was awakened during the night by the men return- ing from their search. The wind was blowing cold, pinching the hands of the colonists. The morning was brighter, but the dead grass was covered with hoar frost, and the ground was like iron. All work had Jfear of 3nbtan attack 303 ceased, the men devoting themselves to searching for the savages. Captain Standish, marshaling his little army of ten, prepared to lead them in pursuit of the elusive savages; only the strongest men were chosen, for the party was to go far and fight if necessary. Governor Carver was unable to leave his rugs, on account of his exposure the night before, so that the men were without the advice of their governor and Master Bradford. The members of the army of ten having been selected, being assembled in martial order, without drum or bugle, yea, without even a flag, marched off determined to storm a savage fortress if necessary to release their companions. All day long we ranged over hill and dale. The men were in a dangerous mood and I am fain to say it would have been ill with the savages had they fallen foul of us. Abandoning all ideas of secrecy, we strode on dead sticks and kicked the leaves about recklessly. Though well beaten tracks were followed long distances not a savage was seen nor signs of the missing men. At night we returned to the common-house faint from fatigue and lack of food. Feeling the need of sleep and rest, I left the colonists preparing their rugs and returned to the ship with the comforting thought of a warm bed and safety. It seemed but a moment since I had said a praise to the man who invented the bed, when I was aroused by great shouting of, "The savages! The savages!" Leaping from under my rugs, I hurried to the win- dow. There I saw flames enveloping the common- house, and lighting up the surrounding forests. I could see figures running to and fro and fancied they were the savages dancing around the funeral pyre of the col- 304 flflfje jFowtimts ot a Ration onists. Governor Carver and Master Bradford I knew were lying helpless in their beds, though the others might have escaped. Stunned by the tragedy, I stood looking helplessly at the leaping flames until I was aroused by the cries of the women. Dressing quickly I went out on deck. The women were walking back and forth, wringing their hands and crying as if their hearts would break. I could see the flames clearly and now and then hear the report of a musket; with each report the cries of the women would increase. Mistress Standish was standing at the side of the ship looking helplessly shoreward. As soon as she saw me she came to me; grasping my arm she turned her pale face up into mine making a silent plea for aid. Her voice trembled with emotion as she said, "My husband! My poor husband!" "Perhaps he has escaped." "Not from these savages, for they see by night as well as by day." "As for Governor Carver and Master Bradford," I said, "I am not so sure, both being ill; but Captain Standish was in good health yesterday, perhaps he will fight his way out." Just then there came the sound of several musket shots in rapid succession. With a shudder she put her hands to her ears, turning her back to the burning house, to shut out the sounds as well as the sight of the tragedy. I touched her arm gently to let her know she had my sympathy. Looking up she said confidently, "Oh, Master Beaumont, can't you do something?" Fool that I was, I had been standing watching this cruel thing without a thought of going to the relief of Jfear of Hfabian attack 3s the men in danger. Without stopping to answer, I ran into my cabin; seizing my musket, I hurried back on deck. Hastening to the side of the ship with others to go down into the long boat, a sailor held us back saying the tide was out, making it impossible to reach the shore. The long shaft of light from the burning house lighting up the muddy meadows, confirmed the words of the sailor. Mistress Standish having followed me to the side of the ship heard the sailor's words, which she felt was a sentence of death passed upon the men ashore. Drying her tears she stood at the side of the vessel with a silent prayer to wait for the tide to turn. The flames grew lower and lower and finally died out, leaving the shore in darkness and the ship in desolation. When the flood came in from the sea, the men who were on the vessel came upon deck in their armor. With heavy hearts they prepared to go ashore. The time coming for me to go down into the boat, Mistress Lora came close to my side and whispered the Pilgrims' hope, "Be strong and of good courage." In the dim light of the early dawn I turned and, look- ing into her pallid face, replied, "Your courage is be- yond belief," and went down into the long boat feeling that my bravery was an empty shadow compared with the Pilgrim maiden's. Approaching the landing we could see figures run- ning back and forth ; but in the uncertain morning light we could not tell whether they were friends or foes. Sitting in the stern of the boat, I had a full view of the land. The fear of the sailors caused them to stand off, until one of them said that an arrow would not carry above sixty paces. With this assurance they pulled the 306 i)e jf ounbing ot a JJation boat in closer until the tall hats of the colonists were plainly seen. We gave a shout of joy which was an- swered with a "Well! Well!" from shore. Whether this call was to urge us to hurry or come at our leisure we did not know. As the dread of the sav- ages still was uppermost in our minds, we took it that they were crying for help. The tide would not permit us to land at the rock; waiting until the keel of the boat struck, we leaped over- board, holding our pieces above our heads to keep the powder in order. Captain Standish who perceived our alarm held up his hand to stay us, at the same time shouting something which we could not understand. This only urged us to greater efforts, splashing the water on all sides we came ashore out of breath. Then we learned the cause of our alarm. The cap- tain said one of the men arose early and built a big fire. In his desire to warm the room, the man piled on pieces of pine, sparks from which were carried up the chim- ney lodging in the thatching. Before the men could rise to beat it out, the flames spread over the whole grass roof, leaping upward like a signal fire. Governor Carver and Master Bradford being unable to move quickly had narrow escapes from the explosion of loose powder, which was in a keg between them. Sparks were dropping onto the clay floor before they could drag themselves out of the burning building; and they were barely out when the keg exploded with a loud report. The fire spreading rapidly prevented the men from rescuing their muskets, which being set off by sparks we mistook for a combat. Our minds being at ease, Captain Standish bade Mate Clark to row back and relieve the alarms of the women Jf ear of 3nbtan attack s7 and children. Those of us who came from the ship went on up the bank. The ground in front of the house was littered with rugs, chairs, and tools, thrown around in confusion. Governor Carver was sitting in his own great chair, the rungs and legs of which were charred, too sick to be interested in what was going on. Master Bradford was half lying and half reclining on his rugs with his back against a log, feeble and exhausted. The other men stopped preparing breakfast to tell how the accident happened. To my utter surprise the fire had only burnt off the straw thatching, leaving the rafters and sides unharmed. Glowing ashes still clung smouldering here and there on the beams, sending up little ringlets of smoke, while the clay floor was covered with the burnt wisps sifted down from above. The green roof timbers though badly scarred were in good order; all that was necessary to make the common-house whole again was new straw. I had hardly stepped in the house when I heard a great shout. Running to the doorway I saw two men dragging themselves across the clearing at a snail's pace, recognizing them at once as the two lost men. They were in a pitiful plight. Goodman's feet were frozen and swollen so badly his shoes had to be cut off; while Browne was almost in as bad a condition but was still able to walk. For two days and nights they had wan- dered through the forests without food or shelter. As soon as they could talk, they told of hearing after night- fall roaring lions and other great beasts, though they saw nothing larger than a gray wolf. In all their wan- derings they declared they had not seen a savage, nor signs of their habitation. As soon as the excitement over the return of the lost 308 fje jfounfctng of a JJatton men had subsided, the colonists began to consider their own condition and to prepare for the Sabbath service. While I was viewing the wreck of the roof, I heard one of the men say, " 'Twill be another Sabbath ere we wor- ship ashore." Promptly Elder Brewster spoke up, "Not so, for we worshiped in Scrooby with only the sky over us, so we may do likewise here." Men with whisks 'of coarse grass and small pine brush swept the floor clean of the gray ashes and half burnt straw, while others brought in the chairs, guns, and other things from the path, making room for the rugs of the feeble near the fireplace. Order coming out of con- fusion, everything was made ready for the coming of the women and children from the ship. The chill of winter was in the air, but the sea within the harbor was undisturbed except for a gust of wind which now and then sweeping in from the ocean, lost itself in a swirl of pine trees on the shore. The dark shadows of the unlimited forests moved me with rev- erence, and the spirit of the unknown land filled me with awe. Into this picture of the wilderness came the shallop floating in from the sea with its touch of color from the white, grays, and blacks of the hoods and dress- es of the women and children. The men on shore were crowded around the rock awaiting the coming of the boat, showing the effects of their struggles in the country; the mud of the brook had stained their coats and stockings with blotches of yel- low. The buckles on their shoes were the only bright spots, the leather being sadly worn. Though their clothing was rough and the worse for wear, under the tall hats the faces had been made clean by the waters of the brook. Jfear of Snfcran Attack 39 As the shallop came on slowly, I could see the women and children were still laboring under the impression of their scare. In silence the shallop approached until it touched the rock, then as the women and children stepped forth, they tearfully embraced the grave faced men. Now that all were ashore the men with their guns on their shoulders led the way with their wives and chil- dren following closely after them. At the door of the common-house the line of colonists halted at the same time crowding close up to it, that they might see the damage done by the flames. Some looked at the scorched wood and silently marveled, while others said, " 'Tis the Lord's will." Then one of the men fell to telling the story of the disaster, showing the blackened floor where the half keg of powder stood that came so near ending the existence of Governor Carver and Master Bradford. So they sauntered around and conversed, until the elder standing in the doorway called them to service. It was a strange scene that greeted my eyes as I came to the door; the women and children were seated on boxes, bales, and benches made from half cut logs. Each wore a shawl thrown loosely around her shoulders, vary- ing from the red of the child to the white one of the maiden; though they were pale and careworn, there were comely faces among them. The most pleasing sight to me was the Pilgrim maiden. This day she wore a white woolen hood with a soft frill of Dutch texture around its edge, setting off her face with its delicacy. Her brown hair was combed back from her forehead, leaving a few stray tresses fall- ing down over the temples covering her cheek in their silky folds. If you would, call her eyes blue or gray, I would not dispute which color they were, for both col- 310 Qpfje jfounbing of a Ration ors played in them and won you to her. A white woolen cape caught at her throat by a loop of silk thread, she wore over a dress of modest gray broken by cuffs of white, thus relieving the primness. If an artist had placed her there in her colors of gray and white, he could not have added a whit to her beauty; for she was all grace and loveliness, as she sat under the shadows of the half burnt beams, with the sun showing her beauty more fully than it would have been possible for the dull shades of the stained glass windows of an English cathedral. The women and children having found their places, the men entered. Captain Standish did not give over his caution, ordering the men to take their guns with them with matches in a glow. Having given the boxes and benches to the women, the men stood with the stocks of their weapons resting on the floor, steadying them with a firm grasp on the muzzles. Governor Carver was seated in his chair, while Master Bradford occu- pied the elder's, both of which were blackened by the fire. Captain Standish motioned me to enter. Taking off my cap I stepped inside taking my stand near the door. Once within the forest cathedral there came a hush over the worshipers, which caused even me to bow my head in reverence. The calmness that came over them was from no earthly power and under its benediction they sat and smiled as if they were in the midst of peace and plenty. This reverential silence was broken by the shrill notes of a pitch pipe, as the leader sounded to catch the opening notes of a psalm. It was the twenty- third psalm as set to music by Ainsworth, beginning with these hopeful words, "The Lord is my shepherd, I Jf ear ot 3nbtan Sttacfe 3 1 i shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; he leadeth me beside the still waters." It was one which all knew and the melody dedicated the wil- derness of New England to their worship. When the last notes of the psalm had ceased, Elder Brewster arose and opening his Bible began reading. His text has gone from me, for I confess I was not familiar enough with the book to know it, however, it was a message of hope and good cheer, for so these people interpreted even their disasters. Doctor Fuller, Governor Carver, and Stephen Hopkins arose and prophesied, giving their own versions of the meaning of the verses read. Another psalm was sung, then the elder took his text for his sermon, which was not of my knowing. All I remember is seeing the tall thin form of Elder Brewster standing in front of the broad fire- place, with a kindly smile lighting up his face, telling the people to be unmindful of their privations, unheed- ing of their sorrows, but ever holding steadfast in their trust in Him who would preserve them even in this wilderness. Now that I think of it, this first service was a singular one, with the grave faced men standing along the wall of rough logs, holding their guns in readiness, and with the sun reflecting upon their steel armor. Now and then a little particle of ashes would sift down from the burnt wisps of thatching, as a reminder of the disaster of the night. The kind faced women already showed their cares upon their foreheads, and the children watched with curious and even envious eyes the strength and faith of their fathers. Then there was the courage of the elder in standing in the presence of the overshad- owing forests and uttering words of cheer. Truly the 312 fje jfouttiring of a Ration faith of these people alone held them on this side of the sea, for without it they would have fled back to their native land. I must admit I did not profit much from the sermon, for I was too busy watching the color come and go in the Pilgrim maiden's cheeks to be interested in anything else. As she sat in the sunshine it came to me of a sud- den that her face was paler than usual, and what I had taken for a healthful glow was a flush of fever. I said a hearty "Amen," when the service came to an end. I tarried at my station as the people went out, hoping to have a word with Mistress Lora, but her mother was at her side, so that my only reward was a look. The roofless house affording little protection, the people found seats on the logs and boxes outside, there they tar- ried eating of their dried meat, Holland cheese, and hard bread. Though I endeavored to see the maiden alone or sit close by her, the father and mother blocked my ap- proaches, besides some of the young men grew familiar, so that I was compelled to sit at a distance. Now that my suspicions of ill health were aroused, I could see that she was not herself. When the time for the return to the ship came, I had become desperate and determined to speak to her at all hazards. The women and children were to go single file, guarded by the men. As the line formed, seeing the maiden take her position back of her mother, I pushed my way in so that I was next to her as her guard. For this piece of audacity I was rewarded with a smile. As the maiden stooped over to pluck a handful of wild grass I said, "Mistress Lora, last night's scare has ailed you?" Jfear of Snfcian attack 313 "Why so?" she asked, still holding the wisps of grass. The procession taking up its line of march, she could not reply further. Once she looked over her shoulder as if to make an answer to my solicitations but changing her mind went on. As I trained alongside the shallop to aid the maiden, the mother artfully came between us. Backing away, I stood upon the beach. Watching her face, I was sure I read signs of coming sickness. As the shallop pushed away, the women and children waved a farewell. A few strokes of the oars and they were gone, but the face of the maiden lingered with me. I could see the gaunt spectre of fever fastening its grip upon her, and I felt my helplessness at the same time. of tJje plantation Doctor Fuller did not return to the ship and as my one great desire was to know the character of the fever, that I fancied was threatening the maiden, I left my cabin for a cold bed ashore. He was so attentive to the governor and Master Bradford, I did not have an op- portunity to speak to him. In the evening while sitting with Captain Standish in front of a blazing fire, I cas- ually asked him what manner of disease was ailing the colonists. His answer was, "Coughs and colds from ex- posure." "But the women," I said artfully, "have not been from the ship, still many are down with fevers." A queer look came across my face, as the captain said, "We will consult Doctor Fuller, for I have no knowl- edge of such matters." Then he called the doctor to us and we three sat down on a timber facing the fire, while he told us of the vari- ous maladies which were attacking the colonists. Of the men he said the cold days and nights they had spent in the forests, wading ashore at Cape Cod as well as their diet of salt meat, brought on their complaints. The women he said, like the men, were suffering from scurvy on account of the lack of the sweetness of fresh meat and vegetables. I at once saw hopes for the maiden and asked, "If those who are ailing could have wild duck's flesh, would that restore them?" 316 Ct)c Jfounbing of a Ration "Truly," replied the doctor, "but fresh vegetables will work a more speedy cure." This was all the information I desired. Rising from the log, I went out into the night and walked up the path until I stood on the mount overlooking the harbor. I could see lights on the distant ship, and in my enthusi- asm I made a secret vow that the maiden should not die. Before daybreak it began to rain, driving us from the roofless house. Stumbling through the dark we found what shelter we could under the shed, which had been hurriedly thrown up over the provisions and tools. With the coming of the daylight, I betook myself to the brook, hoping to find a chance duck; it was still raining so that I was soon wet through, having the great- est difficulty in keeping the powder in the gun pan dry. The great flocks of ducks and geese which I had seen at the first landing had now gone south, so that my only hope was to decoy a stray one into my hands. Though I heard the chatter of fowls from time to time, and stole along quietly, still the end of the day found me without a single one in my provender bag. Wet and muddy from my day's labor in the marshes, I returned to the clearing, only to find the men huddled together under the shed, with the sick men occupying the dry places under the board roof. The fire smoked much but burned little, owing to the wet wood; but I had no desire to return to the ship. Disappointed in not finding ducks, I decided to try my fortune in the plains along the river, which were some distance to the right of the clearing. Crossing a swamp, in which grew a low vine with red berries, I picked a handful, hoping in my desperation that these might have some virtue of relief for the maiden. I had of tije ^plantation 317 just dropped the last berry in my pocket, when I was startled by a great bird flying out of the bush. It was not a goose, neither was it an eagle, nor did it stop for me to examine its worth or beauty, but went off with great flapping of its broad wings into the neighboring forests. Fancying that its companion was near by, I walked along slowly holding my gun in readiness ; com- ing up to a clump of shrubs, there was a rustling in the grass and beating of wings as another great bird mount- ed from the earth. Though it was a rule not to shoot a gun for fear of attracting the savages, I forgot this reg- ulation and, taking hasty aim, fired. The bird stopped in mid-flight and with a whirl fell heavily to the ground ; dropping my gun and unmindful of the bushes, I ran at utmost speed and seized it by the legs for fear it might escape. It was a beautiful bird, with a thick armor of bronze feathers tipped with black and white, red head, and a bunch of long silky feathers like hair hanging from its breast. The tail was long and heavy, as I spread it out in fan shape I thought of the peacocks of France. The bird was a strange one to me, so that I did not know whether its flesh was good to eat or not. Picking the fowl up, I found it weighed upwards of twenty pounds and as I held it, its head touched the ground. Dragging it back to where I had dropped my gun, I tied the legs of the bird together with a snatch of grass and hung it over the barrel of my gun. My joy was that of a famishing man coming suddenly upon a spring of cool water in a desert. A song of gladness was in my heart, as I came up to where the long boat was swinging with the tide close by the rock. The sea- men were all anxious to see my prize and asked me 3i8 Qflje Jfounbing of a Ration where I shot it and all about it. Mate Clark was ashore the sailors said, so I started up the path in search of him. Ere I was half way up the bank I thought of Gov- ernor Carver and Master Bradford and their sickness, fancying they would look with longing eyes upon my fowl, I turned back to the boat and threw the bird in the bottom of the boat. Throwing my coat over it I sat like a miser over his gold, waiting for Mate Clark to return. A colonist happening down to the boat, I put my foot on the coat and glared like an ogre for fear he might ask what was beneath it. I was surly enough when the mate came back to the boat empty handed. When he had pushed off, I uncovered my prize and asked him if he had ever seen its like. Master Clark gave one glance and said, "A turkey." "Pray, what of it?" I asked as I gripped his sleeve. "Is it good to eat?" Picking up a clawed foot of the fowl, he replied, "Its flesh exceeds that of a duck." I could have shouted with joy. The boat was too slow in reaching the ship to suit me, now that I knew the value of the bird. Captain Jones was on deck and spied my "turkey." as Mate Clark called it, as soon as we came alongside. I could see his bead-like eyes snapping with anticipation of a feast, so I decided I would trust no one with the fowl but myself. As I came over the side he asked to relieve me of my burden, but I held on to it firmly. Feeling its flesh the captain asked, "Shall we have it roasted at once, Master Beaumont?" Having in mind his devouring the lone herring, I was determined that he should never have a taste of this fowl in his throat. Turning on him I said, "Captain, this is not for us, but for the colonists." of tfje plantation 3*9 "Since when have you joined the Separatists?" he asked sarcastically. "Captain Jones," I replied, "I have not gone over to them nor do I ever intend to ; but when men and women are lying in their rugs sick unto death for the want of the flesh of this fowl, neither you, myself, nor any other man is going to touch it. These people are of our flesh and blood and though you and I do not agree with them, we must respect their sufferings." It was a long speech, but the man nettled me and I wanted him to know that I was ready to support the needy because it was only human kindness to do so. When the captain heard me through he said, "As you will," in a disappointed air and went off, leaving me holding the fowl. I was greatly puzzled what to do next. I could not take it with me into the round-house, as I had declared I was going to give it to the colonists; nor could I take and give it to the maiden, though I longed to do so. As the presence of the strange bird caused the women and children to come out of the cabin, I was in hopes the maiden would come too. Mistress Rose was among the first to marvel at the bigness of the bird; from her I learned the maiden was not so well and was confined to her cabin. This made me more anxious than ever that she should have the fowl. While I was standing over the great bird, one of the Brewster boys came along the deck. Before he could ask any questions I handed it to him saying, "This is for you, now make way and see that it is in the pot quickly." The boy stood holding the bird with his mouth wide open in amazement, while I went on into the round- 320 w$t ;f ounbing of a Station house, pleased that I had gotten the fowl into the family, even though I failed to give it to the maiden herself. I was glad to be back on the ship. My hunger was such that I could hardly wait for the evening meal to be prepared, so that when the serving-men brought on the meat I gave little heed to it. It was so delicate, I asked the captain whence it came. He declared to be a fowl made sweet from feeding on acorns. Its tenderness found favor with me, and its daintiness was such that I wondered a wild goose had not pleased my taste so fully before. The captain pronounced his opinion of the flesh by eating heartily of it and calling for more. Be- tween us we sang the glories of the dish, until I felt ashamed of myself for being such a gourmand. On the morrow, I met the maiden face to face on deck. She was pale and thin and I felt that after all I was too late. With a smile she said, "Master Beaumont, why gave you the great fowl to us?" The truth was now on my tongue so I replied, "Mis- tress Lora, if you would know I gave the fowl to no one but yourself." "But the sick?" she answered in her generous way. "Nay, but you are ill and I sought the bird for you alone." "My feebleness is but of a moment and of little im- portance. Though you gave us the fowl there were many of our people and the poor sailors who needed its nourishment more than we did, so we divided the flesh, sending part to our sick and the rest to the forecastle." "And you did not partake of it?" I gasped. With a gentle smile she said, "It was not meet that I should, when others needed it so much more." "You gave it all away?" of ttje ^Plantation 321 "All, to those who felt the want of it." Like a flash there came into my mind the delicacy of the meat which had been served in the round-house the evening before. "To whom gave you the fowl?" I asked as calmly as I could. "To Captain Jones," she assured me frankly. My face grew black, and she drew back from me as she had never seen me in temper before. Gently touch- ing my sleeve she said, "Master Beaumont, why this anger?" I hotly exclaimed, "Do you not know, that my heart was set on the flesh of this fowl nourishing your failing strength? It was by merest chance that it came my way, and I brought it to you and you alone. Know you not, that Captain Jones betrayed your trust, and that he and I ate this fowl while you who needed it went without?" As she looked up into my face and said, "Perhaps Captain Jones is ailing," I felt my hatred leaving me. "Nay, he is not ailing, but he should be." "What mean you, Master Beaumont?" Plucking me by the sleeve the maiden talked me out of my passion. But for her the captain and I would have come to blows over this act of meanness. Having been calmed down by her gentleness I went back to the roundhouse, feeling guilty of having deprived the maid- en of her own. Though my anger was softened, I could not let Captain Jones think that I did not have knowl- edge of his deceit, so when he came in I said, "Our turkey feast was a surprise to me." "Truly," he replied, feigning the use of a favorite ex- pression of the colonists. "Nay, not truly, but surely," was my sour reply. If I had multiplied words with him, we would have come 322 Cije Jfounbtns ot a Ration to blows ; feeling he was not my match or equal, I sat in silence in my wrath. The common-house being completed, the colonists be- gan building a small house to be used as a storeroom for their tools and provisions. Under the spell of many hands the second structure was soon ready. Though it was cold and the waters of the harbor exceedingly rough, the men began to take the goods ashore at once and pile them in the storehouse. Hogsheads of oatmeal, barrels of bread, and casks of pickled meat were low- ered into the shallop and rowed ashore. The sailors, who were hoping for an early sailing, did not complain of the going of the firkins of butter, pickled salted eggs, and bags of dried codfish, that littered the deck. If I were to enumerate the bags of salt bacon, salt beef, and pork that the colonists now took ashore, one would think they fared well. So they would, but for the fact that these meats were so poorly cured, they were mostly tainted. While I was on deck watching the unloading, the hoops of a barrel of beef broke, emptying its con- tents on the deck. As it was spoiled, Captain Jones shouted to his sailors to throw it overboard. Richard Warren who was near by stopped this "waste," as he called it, saying poor as the meat was, the colonists must use it. "But Master Warren," I urged, " 'Tis not fit to cook, saying nothing of eating it." "Master Beaumont, we have counted on every pound of this meat being proper; if it is not we must use it or starve, ere another harvest comes." "Surely, you would not have your people eat this tainted stuff." "I would not have them, but they must." of tije plantation 323 So the spoiled meat was gathered off the deck and sent to the pots of the colonists, though its odor was such that the sailors handled it at arm's length. The only deli- cacy I spied in the whole cargo was a hogshead of dried cows' tongues. That it might not bring too much relief to the colonists in some manner it slipped into the sea, which of course did not add to the sweetness of the contents. Captain Jones permitted the sailors to aid in getting the stores up on deck and into the shallop, but the col- onists must row or sail the boat ashore and handle the goods as best they could. On fair days the boat would be ladened deep with bundles of hoes, spades, axes, cooking spits, iron kettles, and frying pans, with a small table now and then on top of the cargo. On rough days the unloading went on just the same, but the quantity of goods taken was much less. The landing of the supplies could only be done when the tide was in, so that the men worked on the buildings part of the day, bringing the stores ashore when they could. Rowing and sailing the shallop was the easiest task connected with this work, the real labor was getting the provisions up the bank into the storehouse. It was located on the banks of the inlet, so that the boat with its cargo was floated into the mouth of the brook and made fast near the house. Unloading the light utensils was not difficult, but the hogheads of oatmeal and casks of meat were like so much lead, requiring every well man to lift them. Saplings were laid down on which to roll the barrels, but I have seen them toil half a day on one hogshead of oatmeal, for it was of great weight, being trampled in the cask so hard it required a sharp adz to cut it out. 324 W&t Jfounbing of a Station As soon as the storehouse was filled with provisions and supplies, the colonists devoted all of their time to building their own houses. As many of the men were sick, it was thought best that a separate building be erected for them, thus taking them from the common- house, where the sleep of those who labored daily, was broken by the cries of the feeble. The sick-house was the last one built in common ; the reason being that some of the men worked beyond their strength, whilst others held back savoring of laziness. This shirking soon came to the eyes of the head men, so that they decided that those who would live in their own houses must take off their fanciful ideas and do their own building. As I have stated before, the single men were distrib- uted among the households, so that there were four or five men to each house. Some of the industrious house- holds were ambitious for sixteen feet residences but as the timbers had to be pulled by hand long distances, most of them were content with huts fourteen by twelve feet or even smaller. Elder Brewster with the others began laying founda- tion timbers for his hut on the bank of the brook above the spring. I found fault with his site as it was nearer the path than the brook. But the elder did not consult me, and went on cutting and dragging timbers for a house, which, as I stepped it, was to be about sixteen by twelve feet. For the first time I conceived what was to be the lot of the colonists in these mean log huts, for they were nothing else. With clay floors, damp and cold from win- ter's rains, without light and little heat, men, women, and children were to be huddled together like so many fhrogresft of tfje plantation 325 cattle. But as I was not to live in them I went on my way to a marsh a short distance from the clearing. From time to time, I peered over the tufts of grass hoping to catch sight of something to shoot, but the marshes and forests seemed to be deserted by every liv- ing thing. Though I was uncomfortably cold I decided to linger on in my grassy covert. Hearing a rustling, I made ready for wild men or beasts. Fearing savages, I lay quietly as the footsteps approached. A twig snapped close by me, then a red deer with spreading antlers stalked in front of me, larger than I had ever seen in England. Taking aim, I let off my piece. Through the cloud of smoke I saw the buck stagger and then fall in a heap. Finding it was too heavy for me to carry alone, I lifted the animal into the branches of a tree to keep it out of reach of the wolves, while I went back to the clearing for help. " 'Tis lean sport to-day," said the elder, seeing me re- turning empty-handed. "Only a red deer," I replied calmly. "A deer, say you?" exclaimed the man who was help- ing the elder. "Yes, and it is so large, I must have your aid to bring it in." The man dropped his lever at once, making ready to go with me. The elder stopped him by saying, "John, though this fresh deer's meat would be a relish, we must console ourselves with our barreled meat for the present. Un- less we get the logs up and the thatching on these bright days, we will be out of doors when it rains." "But the sick men," I said, "this deer's meat will do them good." 326 f)e Jfounbing of a Ration "Truly, Master Beaumont! Go, John, but return with haste." Between us we brought in the red deer and threw it on the ground in front of the common-house. Master Bradford who was still ailing came to the door, and stood looking longingly down at the buck. Though I did not fancy him, nor was he overly fond of me, still in his need I put aside my dislike and said, "Master Brad- ford, this deer except one quarter is for the colonists." Elder Brewster was still at work when I threw my shoulder of venison at his feet. Looking at me in astonishment he asked, "Why bestow this upon me?" "For the use of your man," I answered. "Nay, that was a simple thing, and not worthy of re- ward." "Without your assistance I could not have brought in the deer." After looking at me, then the venison, the elder finally said, "Master Beaumont, this is very fair of you." Then a thought came to me and I replied, "As I am returning to the vessel, perhaps you would like to send this meat to your family at once." He looked at me saying, "Master Beaumont, if you will, they shall receive it that much the sooner." Leaping at the opportunity, I lifted the haunch of venison on my shoulder and was off with it, lest the elder would change his mind. Picking up my musket at the common-house, I went on down to the boat thoroughly satisfied with myself at my cleverness. I clambered over the side of the ship and for the first time made straight for the cabin door, knocked bravely on it, and asked loudly for Mistress Brewster. Giving the matron the venison I said, "This comes from the of tlje plantation 3 2 7 elder, since he was at work and could not bring it, he bade me do so." "That was a kindly thing, Master Beaumont." "I believe he said he fancied a broth," having in mind this would most fit the case of the maiden. The mother looked up in surprise, "Then he must be ailing, for usually he has no choice of cooking." Then I had to explain, "Perhaps, Mistress Brewster, I was hasty about the broth," and for fear that I might say something more that would put me at fault, I left with a civil bow. Captain Jones, who happened to see me take the ven- ison to the common-house and also seeing me come away without it, was inclined to chide me. "So you have been feeding the colonists," he said as I entered the round- house empty-handed. "Is there a king's law against it?" "Not so, Master Beaumont; but why feed them?" "Because my fancy prompts me to, Captain Jones." "Then, Master Beaumont, your fancy is well estab- lished since Mistress Lora is a fair maiden," he an- swered impudently. The insolence of the man in playing with the name of Lora was more than I could stand. Clenching my fists I made a stride towards him, when I seemed to hear her saying, "Slowly, Master Beaumont, slowly." To my own surprise I turned on my heel and strode to the al- cove on the other side of the ship, where I sat and cooled my anger. I was glad that I did not have words with the captain, for the next day he, too, began to feed the colonists, for as it happened he came on a flock of wild geese and killed a number, giving a part of them to the passengers. 328 fje Jfounfcmg of a Station Besides he found a deer that the savages had just killed, which he gave to the men ashore ; so that the generosity of the captain made me think well of him again. My kindly feeling towards Captain Jones was short lived, however. As we sat at the table the next day with our mugs of beer filled and plenty in the hold, there was a knock at the door and one of the colonists entered. The man explained that Master Bradford desired a small portion of beer. As the captain listened to the simple request there came a scowl over his face, and bringing his clenched hand down on the table, he shouted, "Not a drop, not a drop; even if he were my own brother, I would not give him a drop." I sat in perfect amazement at his action, while the man with red face and bowed head left the cabin with his empty bucket. Captain Jones was beyond my un- derstanding. One day he was all goodness towards the colonists and the next day would come forth such base- ness I could have throttled him with pleasure. So mottled was he that I could not judge whether the fair or foul was going to be to the fore most of the time. I might say that Master Bradford got his beer, for the same day I sent him a little citron cask that was liquid tight; there was no citron in it, but if one cared to listen he would have heard the wash of its contents, when the seaman put it on his shoulder to deliver the cask. Much to my surprise, one day, I found Mistress Lora Brewster on deck seated in a great chair, wrapped in rugs and mufflers. I could tell by her pale wan face that she was coming down with the sickness that had attacked the colonists. I could do no less than ask her what ailed her. She answered a weakness seemed to be $Jrogres& of tfje plantation 329 coming over her which she could not throw off. Look- ing up plaintively she said, "Master Beaumont, I am so tired of the ship, if I could only go ashore." "Mistress Lora, it is colder on land than on the ship." "True, but we have been on board so long I am tired of it. Sick as I am, I had them carry me forth on deck, that I might once more see the land and breathe the fresh air. I feel sure were I once ashore, I could throw off the fever." "Think you so?" I asked. "I am sure I would." Taking up her thin hand I said, "Lora, your wish shall be granted." "I shall go ashore soon?" she said, her voice in a quiver. Seeing the maiden was tired, I picked up the chair and carried her to the door of the cabin. When I lifted her into the room, such a nauseating smell greeted me, I did not wonder that the maiden was anxious to escape from it. Coming back into the sweet air, I made a vow that Mistress Lora would go ashore soon, if I had to turn laborer to hasten her going. Life on the ship was tiresome. I had nothing to en- tertain me but hunting water-fowls. I dared not go far from the clearing for fear of the savages. So I went back and forth to the nearby marshes, watching the progress of the buildings as I did so. Through the cold and ice the men labored as best they could. One day happening up the beaten path that ran between the huts, I found the elder putting on the grass thatched roof. Climbing the rough ladder to see how the straw was bound in place, I noticed he was using a poor quality of grass. As I stood on the top of the ladder I could 330 Wyt Jfotmbmg; of a Ration also see that the elder's fingers were raw, from pushing the thatching needle. With the thought of the sick maiden urging me on, I made bold to say, "Elder Brewster, your straw is both coarse and short, and I am fearful will not shed the rain." " 'Tis the best we could find, Master Beaumont," he replied, at the same time tying a knot in his binding cord. "If you will but send your man with me, I will lead him to where the wild grass is long and fine." The elder stopped his work and looked at me as if in- quiring what interest I had in the roof. I began to think he was going to resent my interference when he curtly said, "John, go with Master Beaumont." Leading the way we shortly came to a grassy plain where there was a quantity of fine roofing straw. Set- ting the man to cutting it with his sickle, I bound it in bundles. My companion seeing the size of the sheaves, shook his head and said he could not carry such weight. I bade him cut on while I swung two of the bundles on my back making for the clearing. Before reaching the brook my breath came fast and my arms were tired from holding the bundles. When I staggered up the hill under the burden, the elder stopped, looking at me in amazement. Throwing down my load at the foot of the ladder I kicked the short thatching to one side. "Where is John?" asked the elder. "Cutting grass," I replied, catching my breath as best I could. "What do you intend to do?" he now asked curiously. "To carry it," I replied as I went off after another burden of thatching. of tfjt plantation 33 l I kept the man busy cutting while I carried the straw, so that by night we had a quantity of fine thatch- ing lying under the eaves of the hut I did not go back to the ship but went to my bed on the floor of the com- mon-house tired, but happy under the first labor I had ever done. There was more room in the common-house, now that the sick men had been removed to their own shed. I lay in a corner and from my rugs watched the fire curl up against the chimney back and fancied looking into my own fireside. My fatigue soon carried me off and I slept soundly on the hard clay floor. I made neither explanation nor offered excuses this day as I cut and carried in the straw. When there was a good store on the ground, I made the man stay and as- sist the elder on the roof. At noonday the elder coming down from the roof said, "Master Beaumont, I have naught to offer you but codfish and hard bread." "That suffices me," I replied, and sitting down on a log, I ate with a relish food that I would have thrown to the hounds in England. Clouds began to gather in the dull sky, promising foul weather. I did not tarry long at my food, but crunched the dry salt fish as I made my way to the grassy fields. I felt that by incessant labor the roof might be finished, keeping the rain off the clay floor of the hut. At every trip from the field with sheaves of straw, I saw the thatching growing closer and closer to the combing. Night coming on, the elder's man gave me a look as if seeking encouragement from me to quit work. I did not even glance at him, but went back for more straw. As the twilight descended I gathered up my last bits of grass, binding together such a bundle as I had not car- 332 f)e ^ounbtng of a Ration ried before, determined that it should not only be suf- ficient, but there would be some to spare. My labors in the field being at an end, I mounted the ladder to see what manner of roofing the grass was making. The elder and his man were on the last row of thatch- ing, though the night was coming on apace, I felt that with a brave effort the roof could be completed. The man, instead of bending to his work, now stood up straight endeavoring to blow the cold out of his fingers. The elder spoke to him sharply, but he answered that he could no longer hold the needle. Crawling over the thatching, I took the steel, bidding him serve us with straw. Though thatching was new to me, I conceived it to be easier than being a beast of burden. In the faint light I gathered a handful of straw, bound the thick ends to a beam, bending the long ends over. Running the needle back and forth I sewed and tied the thatch- ing until my fingers grew stiff and cold. As we worked the clouds grew heavier overhead. This only caused us to labor the faster. Side by side we kept to our work though the light of day had com- pletely failed. Neither of us had spoken a word. I had no thought but that of finishing the thatching, and I think he was so perplexed by my action that he did not know what to say. My fingers were so cold, that all I could feel was the stiff straw and I went on blindly binding it. A drop of rain fell on my hand. I shook it of and went on tying and bending the grass. The help- er said he could not see. Neither of us spoke to him. Several drops of rain came in quick succession, but I only strove the harder. Ten minutes of daylight would have sufficed, but in of ttje plantation 333 the cold and darkness we stumbled along awkwardly and slowly. The pattering of the rain on the thatching made us gird ourselves more firmly to the task. The wet grass grew like ice; still we labored on with our hearts set on finishing the roof. In the darkness and rain, the elder and I labored in silence. At length I picked up a great handful of straw. Fitting it into a narrow space I bound the stems with the hempen string; bending over the heads of grass, I filled the closing gap, and thus finished the thatching. Wet, cold, my fingers worn to soreness, with an ache in my back, I descended the ladder. Going around to the door of the house, I stepped within and stood upon the earthen floor, listening to the rain beat upon the thatching. Surely, I thought this was an ill habitation, the smell of the new floor and the dampness of the green logs pervading the darkness. I was so tired I am sure the elder must have thought me surly, as I left him without as much as saying "Good even." I went back to the ship so completely exhausted, I could hardly drag myself on deck. Looking out of the alcove window the next morning the rain coming out of the leaden sky, my heart warmed with gratitude for I knew one colonist's hut that was dry. By noon time the rain ceased so I could go on deck. The shallop was alongside being loaded with cooking utensils, small tables, a spinning wheel, big and little chairs and such other domestic articles as would come from an English home. As I stood idly by I won- dered who was going ashore. My thoughts were so taken up with the speculation that I did not hear footsteps approaching, and did not 334 be Jfounbing of a Jfjatton know of anyone's presence until I heard Mistress Lora saying, "Master Beaumont, I have come to bid thee farewell." "But, Mistress Lora, you are not well enough to make the journey." "I am so anxious to leave the ship, I am even willing to go in a snowstorm." Somehow I had never realized before that her leaving the ship meant that she was going from me, and from thenceforth if I was to see her, I must go to her. There were to be no more casual meetings on the deck, nor little surprises at our coming upon each other. While I toiled at thatching, my thoughts were to get the maid- en ashore quickly, but she looked so pale and thin now, I half wished I had not been so willing. Seeing my sore and scratched hands, "What ails your hands, Master Beaumont?" she asked sympathetically. "It is the cold," I replied at the same time putting my right hand which was the worst in the pocket of my greatcoat. "Nay, the cold cracks them open, but does not prick them." "But Mistress Lora, this New England cold is differ- ent from other country's," endeavoring to laugh off the subject. "That does not come from the frost, I am sure," she persisted. I could not bear to see her sad, so with a cheery face I said, we should see each other from time to time, until the sailing of the ship for England. While I was speaking, the elder, his wife, and his two lads came from the great cabin. The mother bore a crate within which was the Dutch hen which she had progress of tijc plantation 335 brought from Leyden ; so careful was she of this fowl, that she would not trust it to other hands. The matron and the lads went down into the shallop first, followed by the maiden. While her father fastened the rope around her waist, she gave me a look, which I answered with a smile. I peered over the side as they sat in the shallop ready to push off. I should have said looked at the maiden. With one hand laid in her mother's, she sat in the stern of the boat looking up at me. She seemed so feeble, I could not dispel the thought that perhaps this was her last journey. The word coming to cast off, the men sank their oars deep into the sea and Elder Brewster and his family bade farewell to the ship that had carried them safely across the great waters. During the night I woke with a start, as if an impend- ing mishap was hovering over me. Leaping from my rugs I rushed to the window, stumbling over a chair on my way, and looked shoreward. The blackness of the night held full sway. I heard the winds whistling dolefully through the rigging, and the sound of the ship's timbers creaking as it rolled in the sea. Half awake I felt these things casting a gloom upon my spir- its. Then it came to me that the heart of the ship had departed. With the coming of the day, I fancied my cares would go with the night. This was not to be. I sat so glum at breakfast, Captain Jones ventured to say I was sour company. I did not reply for I was not interested. The food stuck in my throat. Turning away from the cabin I came out on deck. Everything was as it was the day before, there was the same pile of garden hoes, fishing nets, hewing axes, and hempen ropes, littering 336 f)e jfounbing of a the deck just as I last saw them. A half dozen sailors were loading the shallop, exchanging oaths and small talk over their work, while a row of children hung over the side of the vessel watching them. The whole scene around me was disjointed and the ugliness of the things caused me to turn from them. It seemed strange that but a few hours before, these same sights were so acceptable to me and now were so dis- agreeable. Though I endeavored to free myself from their dullness, it clung to me in spite of my efforts until I returned to the roundhouse and threw myself on my rugs. As I lay thinking it came to me what little real interest I had in the colonists. Though I had gone in the frost and ice with them, it was love of adventure that prompted me to it. My apparent aid was due to sympathy of a suffering people. Personally I disliked Masters Bradford and Allerton. As to the rank and file, I did not care for them at all. With the exception of Captain Standish and his wife and Mistress Lora I had made no effort to be more than passing friendly with the others. I saw the virtues of the gray haired governor, the sturdiness of purpose of Master Bradford and the eld- er, and admired the courage that held the colonists to their designs. The entering of a friendly communion with them never entered my mind, and I am sure did not occur to them. So far as they were concerned my atti- tude now was the same as it always had been, one of human sympathy. The next day I determined to go ashore at once and see how well the maiden fitted in her new thatched home. Putting on a new waistcoat, I took down my snap chance, making believe I was going on a fowling of tfje plantation 337 expedition. The cargo being removed, the ship was high out of the water, so that reaching the small boat was becoming difficult. But I succeeded in gaining my seat without wetting my new waistcoat, which was a very important matter to me just then. The landing rock seemed more friendly than ever. Though it had been my stepping-stone many times be- fore, I never appreciated how well it kept my feet out of the sea. The narrow path had been both broadened and hardened under the tramping of many feet, until it was fairly good highway to the top of the bank. The common-house, storehouse and sick-house were all under cover. There were also four family huts completed, including the elder's and Captain Standish's. Many of the colonists had made beginnings but sick- ness prevented them from finishing their tasks. The path was littered with big and little timbers, dragged with infinite toil by feeble men from the forests. These lay where the men had dropped them, many of them never to be moved again by the hands that had brought them so far. Master Bradford had made a drawing in the order the houses were to stand on both sides of what he called the "street." In a manner the houses along the brook were to face those on the other side of the street, so that there was a broad lane between them. This roadway was now a wide stretch, overgrown with brush. Through the undergrowth ran a path down which the logs were dragged and the people walked in going from house to house. Standing at the foot of the street I could see the rude houses of logs with their crowns of golden thatching. The half dozen log huts, clinging to the hillside of the clearing, was the beginning of the plantation and 338 {Efje jfounbing of a Ration habitations which these same yeomen would have scoffed at in England. Passing the house of Peter Browne, I saw he had it almost ready for the roof timbers. For a week or more he had been in the sick-house and work was at a stand- still. Next to Browne, John Goodman was laboring as best he could with his frozen feet and hands. But he was chopping away, as I passed by, determined to get his thatching on as quickly as possible. Next to Good- man's was the elder's with its new straw roof. I was walking up the path with my head bowed low in thought, when I was hailed by John Billington. His house, which was now ready for the roof, was just be- yond the elder's, so that I was still dreaming when he called to me. As I did not respond at the first call, Billington shouted a second time, "Master Beaumont! Master Beaumont!" Big John was thatching his roof and, as I could clear- ly see, was making a bad job of it. Climbing down the ladder he came to where I stood, saying, "Master Beau- mont, I am making out poorly with my thatching, and ask your aid." "My aid! John, nay! nay!" I answered taking his asking me in good nature. "But you are a thatcher and worked for Elder Brew- ster," he went on stupidly, "no man ever worked after night in the rain and cold unless he was well paid for it." The fellow now became so aggressive, I did not deign to reply but started on my way. "Master Beaumont," he shouted after me, "I will pay you well." I turned on him with a sneer, saying, "John Billing- ton, if all the things in your house were pure gold and of tijc ^Plantation 339 you would offer them to me, I would not hire myself to labor for you, or any other living man." I left him scratching his head dully and with a puzzled look upon his face. As I have said before, Captain Standish had finished his log house and Mistress Rose was at home. Turn- ing to my right a few paces I was on the log step, rap- ping for entrance. Mistress Rose's cheery voice wel- comed me. Entering I found the matron in front of the chimney place, piling chips on the fire to dry out the clay floor. Seeing me, she quickly cried, "Wel- come! Master Beaumont." "Mistress Standish," I replied gallantly, "I salute you, and wish you a happy life in your new house." She looked up at me curiously to see whether I was jesting or in earnest. Seeing I was serious she replied, "Master Beaumont, this is but a small space to live in." "Yes, but it will grow larger when the captain can have leisure to build another." 'Tis far better, than being shut in on the ship," she said hopefully. Before I could be seated Mistress Rose showed me her miniature house. It was without windows and unless the door was open there was no light except what came from the fire or the tallow candles. Making the o best of her lowly quarters. Mistress Rose would show me the rude shelf on which stood a half dozen or more books. Taking down Caesar's Commentaries, I opened the volume to find it thumb worn and well read. Then there was a book on artillery tactics, and the rest were the lives of soldiers or military subjects. "This," she said, "is the captain's pride." "Pray, what is yours, Mistress Rose?" 340 f)e Jfounfcing of a Ration Turning to the chimney-corner, which was filled with cooking spits, ash pans, pot hooks, and baking kettles, she said, "This is my kingdom." Having finished the survey of Standish Hall, as she mirthfully called it, Mistress Rose asked, "Master Beaumont, what say you as to our comfort?" Looking around at the bark of the rafters, the coarse logs and earthen floor, I replied, "Mistress Standish, I think your roof will turn rain." It was unkind of me I know, but how could I truth- fully praise a mean hut, which was so small that there was barely room for three persons to move around and so low that I could touch the rafters. Mistress Rose, reading my mind, smiled at me in such a manner I made haste to say, "This is but a makeshift, which will soon give away to better things." She did not answer me but changed our conversation by saying, "The elder and his family moved yesterday." This gave me an opportunity to ask, "How fares Mis- tress Lora?" "The journey fatigued her." "What says Doctor Fuller?" "He says little except that she is in a fever, and must be watched carefully." From the Standish hut I went directly to the door of the Brewster house and rapped on the door. The mother's voice bade me enter. Somehow I could not open the door but stood like a yokel, until Mistress Brewster came. She was so surprised at seeing me that she did not offer to let me in. As we stood facing each other I heard the maiden coughing, which alarmed me. "Mistress Lora, is not so well to-day?" I asked. $Jrojjres of tfje plantation 341 "The journey tired her," replied the mother. "Does she want for anything?" "She neither eats nor sleeps." "What says Doctor Fuller?" "He has little to say, more than that she must be watched closely." Just then the maiden began cough- ing again. I turned from the door with the knowledge that Lora was at length in the throes of the fever which had been fatal to several of the colonists and bid fair to end the worldly labors of many more. With a sense of my help- lessness and her weakness I went down to the spring. Standing close to one of the willows I looked down into the clear water. The loneliness of the ship again came over me, making me feel that I was adrift with little hope of relief. I did not have the heart to tarry long with Mistress Rose. When she asked me about Lora, I replied, "I am fearful for her," and went down the path with a heavy heart. Once within the ship's cabin, I sat in the little alcove looking towards the Brewster hut, with the feeling that my sun was fast setting in the grey west. / V This book is DUE on the last date stamped below jAN 2 1 J Ul 2 4 192 JUL 31 192 9 -' 23 ant / *!> ft& WOV8 1 3 4 ^ >^ -T^* Form L-9-15rn-ll,'27 I AUG111959 DEC 4 JUL 141947 11 w- JUL 1 2%68 JUL ^ ^) w* N 8 1954' It FEB24 1954 T NOV I 1951 28* Mnv^n1958 MAR 5 1957 AUG 7 195T 3 1158 00530 9546 G L LIBRARY FACILITY A 001337402 o