erefore he gathers up all the
sweet potatoes which the others have thrown away, for they please him
exceeding well.

A TOUCH OF HOMESICKNESS

There is no need for me to say that it makes both Nathaniel and me
glad to be praised by our master, because we keep the house cleanly and
strive to serve the food in such a manner as not to offend the eye; but
we would willingly dispense with such welcome words if thereby it would
be possible to see a woman messing around the place.

Strive as boys may, they cannot attend to household matters as do girls
or women, who have been brought into the world knowing how to perform
such tasks, and it is more homelike to see them around.

Nathaniel and I often picture to each other what this village of
Jamestown would be if in each camp, cave, or log hut a woman was in
command, and ever when we talk thus comes into my heart a sickness for
the old homes of England, even though after my mother died there was
none for me; but yet it would do me a world of good even to look upon a
housewife. A most friendly gentleman is Master Hunt, and even though he
is so far above me in station, I never fail of getting a kindly greeting
when I am so fortunate as to meet him. He comes often to see Captain
Smith, for the two talk long and earnestly over the matter of the
Council, and at such times it is as if he went out of his way to give me
a good word.

MASTER HUNT'S PREACHING

Therefore it is that I go to hear him preach whenever the people are
summoned to a meeting beneath the square of canvas in the wood, and more
than once I have heard from him that which has taken the sickness for
home out of my heart. Our people are not inclined to listen to him in
great numbers, however. I have never seen above twenty at one time,
the others being busy in the search for gold, or trying to decide among
themselves as to how it may best be found.

More than once have I heard Master Hunt say, while talking privately
with my master, that there would be greater hope for this village of
ours if we had more laborers and less gentlemen, for in a new land it
is only work that can win in the battle against the savages and the
wilderness.

Four carpenters, one blacksmith, two bricklayers, a mason, a sailor, a
barber, a tailor, and a drummer make up the list of skilled workmen,
if, indeed, one who can do nothing save drum may be called a laborer. To
these may be added twelve serving men and four boys. A