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
Wenlock felt much pleased at meeting his old friends, and was amply
employed, for some time, in obtaining accommodation for them. Every day
vessels were arriving with passengers and cargoes, but not one of them
brought any account of the _Concord_. His Dutch friends, however, did
their utmost to console Wenlock. He thanked them, but yet found his
thoughts more than ever going back to Mary. He would have been
well-pleased if Ford had kept out of his way, but that person managed to
introduce himself to the Van Erks, and he felt sure he was meditating
mischief of some sort. The governor then proposed that he should go on
a mission on state affairs to Boston, hoping that the change of life and
scene might benefit him. Wenlock having received his instructions,
accordingly went on board the _Amity_, which vessel, having been
thoroughly repaired, was engaged for the purpose.
"But I cannot part from you," exclaimed old Bill Rullock. "I did not
think to go to sea again, but if the captain will let me work my passage
there and back, I will go along with you."
No arguments would induce the old man to give up his purpose, and
Wenlock was not sorry to have so faithful a companion. Rounding Cape
May, the _Amity_ sailed along the shores of New Jersey, steering to the
north, keeping in sight of land till she came off Long Island, forming
one side of the magnificent harbour of the New York Bay. Then she stood
on, through Massachusetts Bay till the long established city of Boston
was reached. Wenlock had expected to meet with kindness and sympathy
from the descendants of those who had been driven for conscience' sake
to seek a home in the New World. However, even by those to whom he had
letters he was received with coldness, and he heard remarks made about
Quakers generally, and himself especially, which somewhat tried his
temper. His name, too, seemed especially to excite anger among the
citizens. At length he was summoned to appear before the governor of
the state.
"Know you not, young man, that we allow no persons of your persuasion to
remain in our state?" exclaimed the governor. "There was one, of your
name too, banished not long since; and some who have ventured to return,
have of necessity been put to death, as breakers of the law and rebels
against the state."
"Verily, I knew not that such was the case," answered Wenlock; "and when
I have performed my business here, I am ready to take my departure. I
have never been here before, and truly I should be glad to hear of one
of my name, hoping that he might prove a relative; for at present I know
not any one to whom I am kith and kin."
"Stand aside, young man, and bring forth the prisoner, with whose trial
we will proceed," exclaimed the governor, casting a frowning glance at
Wenlock.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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