he beauties of
sea and shore to his thoughtful companion.

"A pleasant sight, a goodly scene," said Hampden, as at last they turned
away and struck into the dense forest. "If it be God's will I for one
shall be well content to return hither and end my days."

"And yet there is world's work to do yonder for a man with an eye to
read the times," said Winslow flinging a hand eastward.

* * * * *

"No wife or child to see me off, Mistress Winslow," said the captain as
he passed the door where Susanna lingered, and she, smiling with the
tear in her eye, answered pleasantly,--

"Then why not purvey thee one, Captain Standish? Well I wot you need not
long go a-begging."

"Nay, none will look on a battered old soldier when fresh young faces
are at hand," replied Standish casting a whimsical glance after Alden
who preceded him down the hill, while the matron shook her head
murmuring,--"Such fools as maids will be!"

Besides Alden, the captain had chosen five men, enough to man the boat,
and to make a good defense in case of attack, but among these he had
included none of the fire-eaters, none of the independent souls of the
little colony. Alden, to whom the captain had given the names of those
to be summoned, had noted this feature of the selection, and ventured to
comment upon it approvingly.

"Ay, lad," replied his master with a grim smile. "'T is a service of
danger, and a service of diplomacy, and I must have my force well in
hand with no danger of a baulk from within. Dost know how the Romans
conquered the world? I bade thee study my Caesar in thy leisure moments."

"By power to command, Master?"

"Nay, boy, but by power to obey. Their forces moved as one man, as a
grand machine, and so they carried the Roman eagles to all the known
world. There's the model of a Roman soldier in that big Book yonder. He
says to his Sovereign Lord, 'Give not yourself the inconvenience of
coming to heal my servant, but send some spirit to carry the command. I
know how it is; I also am under the commands of my general, and men are
under me. I say to this one, Go, and he goeth; and to the other, Come,
and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.' There's the
model of a soldier for you, John Alden; perfect obedience rendered,
perfect obedience expected, perfect faith in the commander-in-chief.
Now, then, off upon your errand, sir, and mind you tarry not at the
Elder's house. There is no e