you an order from the governor to disperse. He will allow of
no meetings, except in the church he has built for the use of the
colony."

"Allow us, sir, to finish the service in which we are engaged," answered
the minister, in a deep tone. "It may be the last many of us will enjoy
for some time to come."

"My orders are to put a stop to your meeting," said the officer. "If
you refuse to obey, I must use force to compel you."

Several of the persons present showed an inclination to dispute the
point, but the minister and count urged them to yield obedience to the
orders of the governor, and they quickly departed, when the officer,
closing the door, put a seal on it, cautioning the people not again to
enter, the governor having threatened severely to punish any who might
do so. With sad hearts they returned to their homes. The victory over
their enemies, instead of having improved their condition, appeared to
have made it still more unbearable. Many who had before intended to
remain on the island now determined to proceed in the ships which the
governor announced would sail in a couple of days. When, however, they
went on board to arrange their sleeping places they found the vessels in
so battered and unseaworthy a condition, and so overrun with vermin,
that many resolved to remain rather than undergo the risk of a voyage on
board them. The officers and crews confessed that they were very
unwilling to sail; at the same time, as they were all Protestants, they
were anxious to get away from the island. The governor had also
threatened them with punishment should they refuse. They promised, for
their own sakes, as well as for that of their passengers, to repair the
ships as much as time would allow. Indeed, the crews were already
working hard to fit them for sea. If the governor would permit them to
remain another week, they might, it was hoped, be placed in a tolerably
efficient state to cross the Atlantic. The governor, however, would
only allow them two more days, at the end of which time he insisted that
all who intended to go must embark. A third of the original number,
therefore, abandoned their purpose and resolved to remain and endure all
the indignities to which they were likely to be subjected, while the
rest, with many forebodings, went on board the two ships. They were, as
it was, much overcrowded, and it was with difficulty that they could
obtain sufficient provisions for the voyage, the govern