It was in the month of December in 1620 that the Pilgrim Fathers landed on Plymouth Rock and proceeded to establish the first permanent white settlement in New England. But the Pilgrims had not set out for America to establish their new home in New England--far from it--they had a charter permitting their settlement in the northern portion of the Virginia plantation, and it was toward Virginia that the little band of passengers aboard the Mayflower thought they were heading. The story of how they happened to come to the stern and rockbound coast of New England and of how they happened to stay there and carve out of the wilderness a great commonwealth is told here. Let us begin our story in Leyden, Holland, where for some eleven years the Pilgrims have lived in exile from England, driven out because of their religious faith. It is early in the year 1620, and John Robinson, who is the pastor and leader of the Pilgrims, is talking to John Carver, who is one of the elders of the church. ROBINSON No word yet from Elder Brewster? CARVER Nay, not a word. I fear me that he and Master Cushman have found it impossible to raise such a large sum of money. ROBINSON If we delay much longer King James may repent himself of his generosity in allowing us to settle in Virginia. CARVER I begin to fear that we are doomed to spend the rest of our days in Holland. ROBINSON Nay, nay, do not lose heart. Jehovah will find a way for his children. Remember, the Children of Israel wandered for forty years in the wilderness before they found rest in the Promised Land. CARVER I'll not lose faith, Pastor Robinson. I know a way will be found for us. [_knock_] ROBINSON Will you see who's at the door? CARVER Of course, Pastor. [_sound of opening door_] Good day to you, sir. KIEFT Does Master John Robinson dwell here? CARVER Aye. Will you enter? KIEFT Thank you. CARVER Pastor Robinson, this gentleman would speak with you. ROBINSON Good morrow to you, sir. KIEFT Are you Pastor Robinson, then? ROBINSON I am. And to what do I owe the honor of this visit, Master--ah--? KIEFT My name is Kieft, Wilhelm Kieft, at your service. ROBINSON I am honored, Master Kieft. Allow me to present Master Carver. [_they greet each other_] KIEFT And now to the business that brought me here--it is rumored about Leyden that you and your company are about to leave Leyden. Is that true? ROBINSON There is, as yet, nothing certain, Master Kieft. KIEFT But you are planning an emigration to the New World, are you not? ROBINSON It has been talked of, certainly, but thus far we have not found the means. KIEFT Well, Master Robinson, perhaps I can find them for you. ROBINSON Indeed! CARVER Tell us, Master Kieft! KIEFT I am a member of the Dutch West India Company, which possesses a large tract of land in the New World. ROBINSON Indeed, I did not know that. KIEFT