In August, 1620, the two ships spread their sails for America. Twice they were forced to return--once after they had sailed three hundred miles--because the _Speedwell_ was leaking, and her captain declared she would sink before reaching America. [Sidenote: =Storms did not drive them back=] Finally the _Mayflower_, with one hundred two Pilgrims on board, started alone. Not many days passed before great storms overtook her. The waves rolled over her deck and threatened to swallow her. For many days the passengers had to spend nearly all the time below deck, not knowing what moment would be their last. Strained by the storm, the _Mayflower_ also began to leak, but the stout-hearted Pilgrims would not turn back. [Illustration: EMBARKATION OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS _After the original painting by Charles West Cope_] [Sidenote: =How they missed the Hudson=] [Sidenote: =Signing the compact=] =44. Landing of the Pilgrims in America.= For days at a time, during the storm, the ship could not use her sails and was driven far out of her course, to the northward. The Pilgrims had intended to land near the mouth of the Hudson, but on November 20, 1620, the little band of exiles found themselves looking with glad hearts upon the sandy but heavily-wooded shores of Cape Cod. How they poured out their hearts in gratitude that they had crossed the stormy sea in safety! The men all gathered in the little cabin of the _Mayflower_ to sign a compact or an agreement in regard to the government of the colony. Then they elected John Carver their first governor. [Illustration: THE "MAYFLOWER" AND THE "SPEEDWELL" IN DARTMOUTH HARBOR _It was to this harbor the Pilgrims returned to repair the leak in the "Speedwell"_] Everybody was now anxious to get on shore. Captain Miles Standish, with an exploring party of sixteen men, each armed with a sword and a musket and equipped with a corselet, waded ashore through the ice-cold water and disappeared in the dark forest in search of a good place to plant the colony. [Sidenote: =Miles Standish and his men explore the region=] For three days they tramped through forests, up and down hills, and along the sandy coast, but found no suitable place. They found springs, however, and ponds of fresh water, and some Indian mounds containing stores of corn. What should they do, take the corn, or leave it and run the risk of starvation? They decided to take only enough to plant in the spring. They afterwards paid the owners double for what they had taken. [Sidenote: =They learn to set snares=] Everywhere they saw flocks of wild fowl, good for food, and the tracks of wild deer. While Bradford was examining an Indian snare set for game he found himself suddenly swinging by one leg in the air. They had a hearty laugh, and learned a new lesson in the art of catching game! [Illustration: READING THE COMPACT ON BOARD THE "MAYFLOWER"] [Sidenote: =Their first Indian battle=]