house of
his fathers to claim what was his own, and when he gat it not, he threw
down the idols he had been trained to worship, and shook off the dust of
that idol-grove where Mammon and Rank and the world's opinion were set
up as gods, and went out into the world to hew out his own fortunes by
the might of his own right arm, and his trust in the God of Israel. So
now, John Alden, thou knowest more about my good sword than any man
alive, for I doubt me if the scholar remembereth, and the armorer is
dead. And when we go into battle, if such good luck await us, and thou
hearest me cry, The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon! thou 'lt know my
meaning."

CHAPTER IV.

THE LILIES OF FRANCE.

"Ho Captain Standish, thou 'rt wanted here!" cried the coarse voice of
Thomas Jones as the two men approached the group gathered about the corn
heap. "Come hither and teach these gentle maids the usages of war. They
speak forsooth of making payment to these unbreeched salvages for the
corn we are taking from this hole in the ground. Was it the way of your
bold fellows in Flanders to make payment to the Spaniards if you
surprised and sacked their camp?"

"The Spaniards were our declared enemies," replied Standish coldly; "and
not only their gear but their lives were ours if we could take them, and
so were ours theirs an' they approved themselves the better men. But
here it is not so; we have no quarrel as yet with the salvages, nor is
it wise to provoke one. We are but a handful, and they in their own
country of unknown strength. Besides, why should we harm those who have
done us no wrong? Is it not wiser to make friends and allies if we may?
So Master Jones you must e'en rank me with the gentle maids who speak
for honesty and justice in this matter."

"As you will, it is no concern of mine," retorted Jones with a surly
laugh; "but never before did I sail in such saintly company, or find
bearded men with swords at their sides carrying themselves like milk-fed
babes."

"And in sad seriousness, good Master Jones, do you intend to cast a slur
upon our courage?" demanded Standish, a cold smile upon his lips, while
his right hand toyed with Gideon's hilt, and his right foot planted
itself more firmly.

"Nay, he's no such ass," interposed Hopkins hastily. "He did but mean a
merry joke, and we would have you Captain Standish tell off such men as
had best remain on shore for further exploration while the rest shall
return to the sh