fame and of
his power over men, had sought to undermine it and to slander his good
name. What lies they had spread through the three ships of a mutiny he
was said to be instigating, until orders were passed which made him
virtually a prisoner for the rest of the journey. But he would soon find
out if they intended to disregard and pass him by.

[Illustration: "WE CHOOSE TODAY," HE CRIED]

When he entered the little cabin he saw seated along the transom and in
the wide-armed chairs Captain Christopher Newport, Bartholomew Gosnold,
Edward Wingfield, John Ratcliffe, John Martin and George Kendall. They
greeted Smith as he entered, as did the other gentlemen leaning against
the bulkheads, but with no cordiality, and he knew well that they had
been talking of him before he entered. He took his seat in silence.

These men composed the Council which had been designated in the secret
instructions given them when they sailed and opened after they had
passed between Capes Charles and Henry. And this Council now it was
which, according to its right, was to elect their president for the year
to come. Smith now felt certain that owing to their hostility to him
they had already determined among themselves what their votes should be
while he was without the cabin. The form, however, was gone through with
and the result solemnly announced: Wingfield was to be the first
president of the Colony, and Smith found himself not even mentioned for
the smallest office. The others for the most part smiled with pleasure
as they looked to see his disappointment, but he showed none. Instead he
rose to his feet and said:

"Captain Newport and gentlemen of the Council, will ye let me suggest
for the name of this new colony that of our gracious sovereign, King
James."

Here at last they must follow his lead, and all sprang to their feet and
shouted "Jamestown let it be!"

Then began again the discussion of the spot to be chosen for their
settlement. There were those who desired a site nearer the bay; one
advocated exploring the other rivers in the vicinity, the Apamatuc, the
Nansamond, the Chickahominy, the Pamunkey, as the Indians called them,
before deciding; but Newport, eager to return to England, would not
consent.

"We choose to-day," he cried, bringing his fist down on the table with a
bang.

The island that Smith had been examining with his glass was considered.
It was large and level and not too far from the sea, said one in its
f