agouts were famous all through Lyons, where my
grandfather and his father before him were great silk manufacturers with
plenty of men and maids and money at their command."

"Ah, Priscilla, thou 'rt hankering after the flesh-pots again! Remember
Lot's wife!" and Mary laughed, but gently stole a hand into that of
Priscilla, who pressed it tenderly as she replied,--

"Lot's wife spoiled all her cookery with salt, and I'll at least distill
none from mine own eyes. How shall I make Robert Cartier know that I
want him to come aboard and help me with my father's supper?"

"Beckon to John Alden to send him," retorted Mary promptly. Priscilla
turned and fixed her long dark eyes in mock bewilderment upon the
other's face.

"And why is it easier to beckon to John Alden than to Robert Cartier,
thou foolish girl?" asked she.

"Because Robert is only thy father's servant, and John is thine own and
ever waiting thy command," replied Mary demurely, and Priscilla's rich
color mounted to her brow as she laughingly retorted,--

"Now, maid Mary, that quip was more like me than thee, and I'll have
none of it. 'T is for thee to carry the honey-bag to mollify the stings
my naughty tongue must aye inflict. I would I were not so waspish, Mary
mine!"

"Thou 'rt naught but what is dear and lovely, and I care for thee beyond
any man that ever walked, saving my father," cried Mary, pressing close
to her friend's side.

"Then will I be jealous of Master Chilton," murmured Priscilla, the
teasing mood again rising to the surface. "For I'll have no rival in thy
heart, save only Gilbert Winslow, whom I hope not to oust."

"See, there is John Alden steadfastly regarding us," cried Mary, a
little annoyed. "Point thy finger at Robert as he stands staring at the
boat, and then beckon. My word for it, John will read the signal
aright."

"Why, then, so be it, and if Dame White sees me I'll swear 'twas thee,
Mary," and Priscilla half proudly, half shyly made the signal, which was
at once understood and acted upon by Alden, who, truth to tell, seldom
lost sight of Priscilla when in her company. Cartier receiving the
message waded after a boat just leaving the beach, and came aboard
dripping wet, an imprudence so common among the younger men of the
Pilgrims on that flat coast as to become a serious factor in the
terrible mortality which was to sweep off half their number within a few
months.

CHAPTER III.

THE SWORD OF STANDISH.

The "