Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt: ... PREPARATIONS FOR THE RETURN OF THE MAYFLOWER KING Massassoit and his savage retinue were gone, leaving the great clearing in sunshine and happiness over the outcome of his visit. I was not entirely pleased, for as I was standing in my doorway looking over the harbor, I saw the ship's boats hovering around it like a flock of ducks, loaded with sand for ballast. I knew full well that I was fast being driven by fate to a cruel parting with the maiden. What would I not have given to have been able to have lowered myself to the toils and labors of one of these colonists and to have lived in her presence in this new country? But the activity of the boats across the harbor gave me notice that my days in America were numbered. I was about to turn away when I happened to catch sight of Jones. Closing my door I hurried after him. His winter's stay had not improved his appearance, in fact he showed the same marks as the rest of us, as having been long away from the comforts of life. Seeing me, he shouted, "Master Beaumont, what word shall I take back to England for you?" "What word?" I exclaimed hastily. "I will carry my own messages, thank you." "Go you then with us?" he asked in surprise. "Captain, I have no other thought. When do you sail?" With a sly look, he said, "Master Beaumont, you seemed so bewitched with these people, I thought you had cast your lot with them and I should go back to Plymouth without you." "Nay, nay, Captain; there is a great breach between us which can not be bridged." "If you are going, you must make haste as this is Monday, and we sail Thursday with the early run of the tide." "I will be aboard this day, Captain Jones, to arrange my goods for the voyage." With this I went back to my little hut with a heavy heart. My...
