Beach and pond have long since been devoured by the hungry sea, but
stumps of good-sized trees are still dug from the dreary sands
environing Provincetown, to show what once has been.

The second boat-load arrived, and by help of Alden's stalwart arm,
Howland's cool decision and prompt action, and Winslow's quick eye and
ready aid to any woman needing assistance, the apparatus was soon
adjusted, and a dozen pairs of strong white arms were plunged in the
suds, or throwing the clothes into the great caldrons bubbling over the
fires which the boys gayly replenished.

Not all the women of the Mayflower were thus engaged, however, for
several were delicate in health, and several others had servants who
took this ungentle labor upon themselves; but those who did not labor
with their hands felt no superiority, and those who did had no shame in
so doing; and although the manners of the day inculcated a certain
deference of manner and speech from the lower rank to the higher, and
from youth to age, the very fact that every one of these persons had
abandoned home and friends and comfort that they might secure liberty,
induced a sense of self respect and respect for others, which is the
very root and basis of a true republic. Thus Katharine Carver, wife of
the governor, daughter of Bishop White, and sister of Robinson, the
pastor of the community left behind in Leyden, although she sent her
maid Lois, and her man-servant Roger Wilder, to do the required work,
came ashore with the rest, and by a touch here and a word there, and her
interest and sympathy, took her part in the labor of the whole, and
delicate woman and well-born lady though she was, made each of those
hard-working sisters feel that it was only her weakness, and not her
station, that prevented her doing all that they did. "Eleven o' the
clock," said John Alden, as the Mayflower's cracked bell told six hoarse
strokes. "They said they'd bring our dinner ashore for us," and he
looked wistfully toward the ship.

"Who said?" asked Howland; "for I've more faith in some say-sos than in
some others."

"Well, if I remember, 't was Mistress Molines who told me," replied
Alden carefully careless.

"Oh, ay," assented Howland, his blue eyes twinkling. "But I thought she
was ill, poor woman."

"Nay, I meant Mistress Priscilla Molines," retorted the giant, blushing.
"She said somewhat to me of an onion soup which she flavors marvelously
well."

"Ah, yes, onion soup," retor