A True Hero: A Story of the Days of William PennKingston, William Henry Giles
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A True Hero: A Story of the Days of William Penn
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Historical fiction; Quakers -- Fiction
"Have you not seen them?" exclaimed Penn. "Surely the _Concord_, in
which they sailed, left England nearly three months ago, and they should
have been here for some time already."
"The _Concord_ has not arrived," answered Wenlock, and his heart sunk
within him.
Every inquiry was made, but none of the vessels which had arrived of
late had heard of the _Concord_. Wenlock had been hoping that they
might have come out, and almost expected to see them on board the
_Welcome_. He was now almost in despair. "I grieve for thee, young
man," said the governor; "for I know thy love for my old friend's
daughter. I grieve also myself at his loss, if lost he is."
Wenlock was unable to speak in reply.
"The only remedy I can advise for thee, is active employment of body and
mind, and the reading of the best of books," added the governor, with a
look of compassion at the young man.
Wenlock endeavoured, as far as he could, to follow the advice of his
friend. The governor now proceeded up the river, touching on his way at
Upland. The inhabitants of the place came out to receive him with
delight, a tall pine, which had been allowed to stand when its
neighbours were cut away, marking the spot where he went on shore.
Turning to Pearson, who had so nobly supported him in his arduous
labours among the sick daring the voyage: "What wilt thou, friend, that
I should call this place?" he asked.
"Chester, an' it please thee," answered Pearson. "It is my native city,
and the affection I bear for it will never be effaced. Yet I might
transfer some slight portion to this town."
"Chester, therefore, let it be henceforth called," answered Penn.
While the governor was stopping at the house of Mr Wade, Wenlock went
to visit old Rullock, and to see his own humble abode. He found a large
party of Dutch emigrants in the town, who had arrived the day before.
Among them he recognised a face he knew. Yes, he was certain. It was
that of Dr Van Erk.
"Yes, I am indeed myself!" exclaimed the doctor, shaking Wenlock warmly
by the hand. "Not knowing by what tyranny we might next be oppressed at
home, I resolved to quit the shores of the Old World, and to seek refuge
in the New; and my brother agreeing with me, we have come over with our
wives and families. He will carry on mercantile pursuits,--and, by the
by, he will be glad, I doubt not, to give you employment,--and I shall
follow my own profession. My wife and children will, I am sure, be very
glad to see you, but as yet we can show you very little hospitality.
But you look somewhat sad, my young friend. Tell me what has occurred?"
Wenlock told him the cause of his sadness.
"Well, we will give you all the consolation in our power."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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