urnkey opened the door, and in
an impudent tone of voice said, "Here's a man and a lad come to see
Master Mead. There, go in and sit as long as you please, till the hour
arrives when all visitors must be turned out."

"Ah! friend Christison and thy fine boy, thou art welcome to this our
somewhat sorry abode," said Mead. "I would rather have seen thee at my
family board this evening, as I had proposed; but we must submit to the
powers that be. I will now make thee known to our friend Master William
Penn, whose father thou and I served under in days gone by."

"Ay, marry, I remember him well!" exclaimed Christison. "We were with
him when he chased that piratical, malignant Rupert, and well-nigh
caught him. Many a rich argosy would have been preserved to the
Commonwealth had we succeeded; but the devil favours his children, and
the rover got off."

"We will not now speak of those times," said Mead. "I am not surprised
to hear thee, old comrade, allude to them thus; but I, now taught
better, have laid aside the use of carnal weapons."

"Well, well, I know you will always do as your conscience dictates,"
said Christison; "and gladly do I shake hands with the son of my old
commander."

William Penn rose, and courteously welcomed the visitor, giving a kind
smile and a touch on the shoulder to young Wenlock. "Let my presence
not interfere with you, friend," he said; "but as thou seest I am busily
engaged in writing on matters of importance; thou mayst talk state
secrets to each other, and I shall not hear them; so, pray thee, Master
Christison, make thyself at home with thy old friend." Saying this, he
resumed his seat and continued writing, completely absorbed in his work.
Captain Mead warmly thanked his old friend for coming to see him.

"And what is it I hear of you," asked Christison; "that you have joined
the followers of George Fox?"

"Verily, I have deserted all worldly systems, and have united with those
who believe that the guidance of the Spirit is sufficient to lead us
into all truth: the Holy Scriptures being the only fit and outward rule
whereby to judge of the truth. I pray thee, old friend, do not strive
against that Holy Spirit, a measure of which has surely been given to
thee. That is the light and life of the Holy Word which `in the
beginning was with God, and was God.' That it is which will enlighten
thy mind, if thou strivest not to quench it."

In a similar strain Mead continued putting