CHAPTER II.
THE FIRST DAY ON SHORE.
The sound of prayer and psalm-singing died away on the shore, and the little band, rising from their knees, saluted each other in that genial humor which always possesses a ship's company when they have weathered the ocean and come to land together.
"Well, Master Jones, here we' are," said Elder Brewster cheerily to the ship-master.
"Aye, aye, sir, here we be sure enough; but I've had many a shrewd doubt of this upshot.

I tell you, sirs, when that beam amidships sprung and cracked Master Coppin here said we must give over--hands couldn't bring her through.

Thou rememberest, Master Coppin ?" "That I do," replied Master Coppin, the first mate, a stocky, cheery sailor, with a face red and shining as a glazed bun.

"I said then that praying might save her, perhaps, but nothing else would." "Praying wouldn't have saved her," said Master Brown, the carpenter, "if I had not put in that screw and worked the beam to her place again." "Aye, aye, Master Carpenter," said Elder Brewster, "the Lord hath abundance of the needful ever to his hand.

When He wills to answer prayer, there will be found both carpenter and screws in their season, I trow." "Well, Deb," said Master Coppin, pinching the ear of a great mastiff bitch who sat by him, "what sayest thou?
Give us thy mind on it, old girl; say, wilt thou go deer-hunting with us yonder ?" The dog, who was full of the excitement of all around, wagged her tail and gave three tremendous barks, whereat a little spaniel with curly ears, that stood by Rose Standish, barked aloud.
"Well done!" said Captain Miles Standish.