s a haven most artificially contrived for safety, with its
overlapping arms and islands," cried Clarke.

"Ay, the islands, Clarke's Island above all, are such as all England
cannot match!" jeered Coppin, while Howland, followed by the rest, began
to climb the bluff in front of them, choosing almost by instinct the
easy ascent around its base, now known as Leyden Street. A little above
the future site of the Common house they paused to take breath and to
consult.

"Yes, here is cleared land enow for any crop we can plant in a year to
come," said Dotey, looking approvingly along Cole's Hill.

"And I hear the tinkle of water falling upon water," cried Bradford
gazing down toward the outlet of Town Brook. "There must be springs
yonder."

"But fuel would needs be lugged on men's backs further than I for one
could fancy," grumbled Hopkins glancing at the woods nowhere very near.

"We can scarce hope for arable land and dense forest in one plot of
ground," remarked Winslow dryly.

"Let us march into the land and explore it fully," suggested Carver.
"Every man should carry his piece with lighted match, but the rest of
the gear may well be left in the boat under charge of the shipmen.
Master Gunner I advise thee to stay behind also. If we meet with the
Indians and there is any opening for trucking I promise thee thy full
share and advantage."

"He who stays by the stuff shall share with him who goeth to the
battle," quoted Standish, who was well versed in what may be called the
military history of the Bible.

"'T is a venerable law, Captain, and out of a faultless code," replied
Carver reverently.

"Come on, then, brethren!" cried Hopkins striding up the steep face of
Burying Hill. The rest followed, and on the crest stopped to admire the
magnificent view spread out in the clear light of the wintry morning.

"Yon is a sightly point for a town," said Warren pointing to Watson's
Hill.

"Too far from the shore," replied Carver.

"And from those tinkling springs for whose water I already am athirst,"
added Bradford.

"Hm! hm!" growled Standish plucking at his beard and pacing to and fro;
"here is the place for a stronghold, Master Carver, just here where we
are standing. See you now, from a breastwork thrown up hereabout and
mounted with a minion or two a man could sweep off an army. 'T is but a
pretty shot to the rock whereon we landed, and where any but a fool
would choose to land, since it is the only dry-shod la