fixed, the patent being
then and there issued under the king's inspection.

With the charter in his possession, Penn returned home to make the final
arrangements with Sidney for the great work he had undertaken. The
document was written on a roll of parchment. At the head of the first
sheet there is a well-executed portrait of Charles the Second, while the
borders are handsomely emblazoned with heraldic devices. Great had been
the opposition made to Penn's receiving this grant. Sidney had come
back to Worminghurst.

"God hath given it to me in the face of the world," exclaimed Penn, as
the friends met. "He will bless and make it the seed of a nation."

Truly has that prediction been fulfilled.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

Two fine vessels lay in mid stream a little way below London, with sails
loosened, ready to take their departure. The wind was light, and they
were waiting for the turn of the tide. Many boats surrounded them, and
numerous visitors still thronged their decks. On board one of them was
William Mead and his family.

Wenlock Christison held Mary's hand as her father was about to lead her
to the side of the vessel, to descend into the boat.

"Thou wilt be supported, Wenlock, if thou dost look whence support can
alone be gained," said Mary; "and my father has promised that when thou
dost return he will no longer withhold me from thee. What more can I
say? Thou dost know my love, and I have faith in thee."

"Thanks, Mary, for those words," said Wenlock. "I trust I may do my
duty, and soon return to thee."

Thus the young Quaker and his betrothed parted. The other visitors
quitted the good ship _Amity_, and her consort the _John Sarah_, which
now, with sails sheeted home, slowly glided down the Thames. They made
but slight progress, however, as they had frequently to come to an
anchor before they altogether got clear of the river. They then
proceeded once more without interruption until they reached Plymouth
Sound. Here they took in more provisions. On board the _Amity_ also
there came a passenger, who announced himself as Master Jonas Ford, the
son of the factor of the Irish estates of Mr William Penn. He brought
a letter. He was a Quaker, his figure slight, his cheeks smooth. His
dress, his language, and manners were equally correct. Yet Wenlock did
not feel attracted towards him. Jonas Ford, however, seemed determined
to obtain his friendship, and from the first attached himself e