She had a cheery word for a'body, and she keepit the place frae languor." But I cannot linger over the tale of those peaceful years when I have so much that is strange and stirring to set down.

Presently came the Revolution, when King James fled overseas, and the Dutch King William reigned in his stead.

The event was a godsend to our trade, for with Scotland in a bicker with Covenants and dragoonings, and new taxes threatened with each new Parliament, a merchant's credit was apt to be a brittle thing.

The change brought a measure of security, and as we prospered I soon began to see that something must be done in our Virginian trade.

Years before, my uncle had sent out a man, Lambie by name, who watched his interests in that country.