on! is it thou?" exclaimed Captain
Mead, examining the stranger's countenance. "Verily, I thought thou
wast no longer in the land of the living; but thou art welcome, heartily
welcome. Come with me to my house in Cornhill, at the sign of the
`Spinning Wheel,' and thou shalt tell me where thou hast been wandering
all this time; while, may be, we will have a talk of bygone days."

"With all my heart," answered Christison; "but tell me who is that noble
youth addressing the people? He seems by his dress and bearing not one
likely to utter such sentiments as are now dropping from his mouth!"

"Verily, he is not less noble in deed and word than in look," answered
Mead. "He is William Penn, the son of the admiral who fought so well
for the Commonwealth, and now serves a master about whom the less we say
the better."

"I remember him well; a brave, sagacious man, but one who was ever ready
to serve his own interest first, and those of his country afterwards. I
should not have expected to find a son of his consorting with Quakers."

"No, verily; as light from darkness, so does the son differ from the
father in spiritual matters," answered Mead. "The son has sacrificed
all his worldly prospects for the sake of his own soul and for those of
his fellow-creatures. In a righteous cause he fears no foes, temporal
or spiritual; and is ready to lay down his life, if needs be, for the
truth."

"A brave youth he must be, by my troth," observed Christison. "Wenlock,
my boy, I pray Heaven you may be like him. I would rather have thee a
thorough true-hearted man, than the first noble in the land."

At this moment, Mead, who had been stopped by the crowd from making his
way towards the place where William Penn was speaking, saw an
opportunity of advancing, and again moved forward, accompanied by his
old friend and his son. There was, indeed, a general movement in the
crowd, and voices in tones of authority were heard shouting, "Make way
there; make way!" The people who uttered these cries were soon
recognised as sheriffs' officers. They were advancing towards Penn.
Their intention was evident.

"They are about to arrest him," said Mead; "but he has done nothing
worthy of bonds."

"No, by my troth he has not," exclaimed Christison; "and I would gladly,
even now, strike a blow for the cause of liberty, and rescue him from
their power, if they attempt to lay hands on him."

"No, no, friend, put up thy sword," said Mead; "w