Two fine vessels lay in mid stream a little way below London, with sails loosened, ready to take their departure. The wind was light, and they were waiting for the turn of the tide. Many boats surrounded them, and numerous visitors still thronged their decks. On board one of them was William Mead and his family. Wenlock Christison held Mary's hand as her father was about to lead her to the side of the vessel, to descend into the boat. "Thou wilt be supported, Wenlock, if thou dost look whence support can alone be gained," said Mary; "and my father has promised that when thou dost return he will no longer withhold me from thee. What more can I say? Thou dost know my love, and I have faith in thee." "Thanks, Mary, for those words," said Wenlock. "I trust I may do my duty, and soon return to thee." Thus the young Quaker and his betrothed parted. The other visitors quitted the good ship _Amity_, and her consort the _John Sarah_, which now, with sails sheeted home, slowly glided down the Thames. They made but slight progress, however, as they had frequently to come to an anchor before they altogether got clear of the river. They then proceeded once more without interruption until they reached Plymouth Sound. Here they took in more provisions. On board the _Amity_ also there came a passenger, who announced himself as Master Jonas Ford, the son of the factor of the Irish estates of Mr William Penn. He brought a letter. He was a Quaker, his figure slight, his cheeks smooth. His dress, his language, and manners were equally correct. Yet Wenlock did not feel attracted towards him. Jonas Ford, however, seemed determined to obtain his friendship, and from the first attached himself especially to him. "Hast ever crossed the ocean before, young sir?" said honest Richard Dinan, captain of the _Amity_, addressing Wenlock. "You seem to have a pair of sea legs of your own." "Yea, verily, friend. I served on board a man-of-war, and saw no little service," answered Wenlock. "Then how didst thou quit it? It is an honest calling, to my mind," observed the captain. "Why, by being blown up and left floating alone on the water. Verily I thought that was a sufficient sign to me no longer to engage in carnal warfare." "Oh, ay, I see. You have joined friend Penn. Well, well, each man to his taste. However, I guessed you had served at sea directly I saw you walking the deck." After this, Captain Dinan paid considerable attention to Wenlock,--much more so, indeed, than he did to Jonas Ford. Altogether there were about twenty passengers on board the _Amity_, with a crew of forty men. She also carried guns, to be able to defend herself against Algerine rovers, or West Indian pirates, of whom there were not a few roving those seas at that time. Prince Rupert and his brother had made piracy somewhat fashionable during the days of the Commonwealth, and there were not wanting a few lawless spirits to follow their example.