r,--the Delaware, entering the Atlantic between
Cape Henlopen and Cape May. See those other fine rivers,--the
Susquehannah, the Ohio, and the Alleghany. Here is a country but a
little less than the size of England; its surface covered with a rich
vegetable loam capable of the highest cultivation, and of producing
wheat, barley, rye, Indian corn, hemp, oats, flax. Here too are mighty
forests supplying woods of every kind, abounding too in wild game and
venison, equal to any in England. The rivers are full of fish, oysters,
and crabs in abundance. On the coast the most luscious fruits grow
wild, while the flowers of the forest are superior in beauty to any
found in our native land. A few settlers from Sweden are already there,
and some Hollanders. The native red men have hitherto proved friendly;
and I trust by treating them kindly, with due regard to their just
rights, we may ever remain on brotherly terms with them. They are mere
wanderers over the land, build no cities, nor permanently cultivate the
ground. I trust before to-morrow's sun has set, unless I am deceived,
to obtain a grant of this territory, in lieu of a debt owing by the
government to my father of nearly 15,000 pounds. I wish forthwith to
despatch a vessel with certain commissioners authorised to purchase
lands from the natives; and as Friend Mead has spoken favourably of
thee, it is my wish to send thee with them. Wilt thou accept my offer?
I will tell thee, if thou wilt, more particularly of thy duties."

Wenlock's heart somewhat sunk within him at this proposal. He had been
hoping to make Mary Mead his wife; yet he was sure her father would not
allow her to go forth into a new settlement, and to undergo all the
incidental risks and hardships. How long a time might pass before he
could return, he could not tell. Of one thing only he felt sure, that
she would be faithful to him.

Some time had passed since he left Rotterdam, his friend Van Erk having
given him permission to go over to England to enter the employment of
William Mead. He had, since then, been living in his family, enjoying
an almost daily intercourse with Mary; not yet, however, having obtained
a position to enable him to marry her. Her father had resolved to put
his patience and constancy to the test. Here, however, was a trial he
had not expected; and when Penn had sent for him, he had, with the
sanguine spirit of youth, hoped that it was to receive some appointment
whi