be the men to go upon this emprise,
both because they are best fitted to judge what is needed, and because
they will be hampered by no need of orders from headquarters. I propose,
then, that leaving Elder Brewster in charge of those who remain aboard,
the party should consist of me as your governor, and Captain Standish as
our man of war, with Master Winslow, Master Bradford, and the Brothers
Tilley from the Leyden brethren, to whom we will join Master Hopkins,
Master Warren, and Edward Dotey of London."

"Will it please your excellency to add my name?" asked John Howland
eagerly. "Well I wot I am not a principal man, but I have a strong arm,
and would fain follow thee, if I may."

"A strong arm, a stout heart, and a ready wit," replied Carver looking
kindly at his retainer. "And gladly do I number thee of the company.
That then counts ten of us, and we shall have Thomas English in charge
of the pinnace with John Alderton our seaman, and that methinks is
enough."

"Enough to meet the danger if there be danger, and to divide the glory
if there be glory," said Myles placidly, and Bradford softly and
pensively replied,

"No such glory as thou didst win in Flanders, friend, but truly the
'glory that fadeth not away.'"

"Hm!" retorted Myles as softly, but pulling his red beard with a grim
smile. "I'm not greedy, Will, and I'll leave those honors for thee."

"Nay," began Bradford rousing himself, but at that moment the whole brig
was shaken, and the councilors startled from their dignity by a
tremendous explosion which drove them from their seats, while the air
was rent by yells and shrieks in various tones and degrees, and a
stifling smoke and smell of gunpowder filled the cabin.

"The magazine has blown up!" shouted Standish. "Man the boats, and fetch
the women and children!" And he rushed to his own cabin where Rose lay,
not well enough to rise. But Bradford, seated near the companion-way,
had already sprung down and presently returned leading by the ear a
blubbering boy, his hands and face besmirched with gunpowder.

"Here is the culprit, Master Carver," announced he placing him in front
of the governor.

"John Billington!" exclaimed Carver sternly. "Ever in mischief, what
hast thou done now? Speak the truth, boy, or 't is the worse for thee."

"I did but take dad's gun from the hooks in our cabin, and she went off
in my hands," whimpered the boy.

"Nay, 'twas more than that, for we heard not one but several