s from accompanying him, and was
now most eager to set off; Vaughan, Gilbert, and Roger begged that they
also might go. It was an opportunity not to be lost. Neither Captain
Layton nor Mistress Audley could withhold their consent. As they were
getting ready, Fenton and Oliver Dane came and offered their services;
they were aware of the risk, but they could endure fatigue as well as
older men, and such danger as was to be encountered they did not dread.
Gilbert was very glad to find that they were to go. As the two seamen,
Tarbox and Flowers, were supposed to have some acquaintance with the
natives, they were also selected to form part of the expedition which
was placed under Master Rolfe's command. Pomaunkee offered to act as
guide; and though the governor somewhat doubted his fidelity, his
services were accepted.

The party, thoroughly armed and confident in their numbers, set off in
high spirits, glad to have escaped at length from the daily routine of
the settlement. Mistress Audley, Lettice, and Cicely could not see them
depart without feeling much anxiety. Captain Layton would gladly have
accompanied them, but a long tramp on shore did not suit his legs, he
observed; and he had moreover to look after the ship and to be ready to
protect Cicely and Mistress Audley and Lettice. The expedition had been
kept as secret as possible, that the natives might not hear of it and
give information to the neighbouring tribes.

Roger, Fenton, and Oliver had been up for some time, eager to set off,
and at early dawn the whole party filed out of the town, taking a course
to the north-west. They proceeded rapidly, as it was important to
escape the observation of any of the natives visiting the town who might
carry information of their approach to Powhattan. As far as they could
discover, they were observed by no one, and several miles were
accomplished without a native being met with. The country through which
they passed was in some parts open and level, in others covered by dense
forests, many of the trees being totally strange to them. They had to
cross numerous limpid streams, so that they were in no want of water.
Several deer started from their coverts in the forest and bounded away
over the plain, sorely tempting the travellers to follow them; but
Master Rolfe, like a wise leader, forbade his men to separate in chase,
lest the natives might take occasion to attack them. Gilbert and Fenton
generally marched togeth