When the Parliament got the power into their hands, they likewise had enough to do in keeping down the Cavaliers.

Thus New England, like a young and hardy lad whose father and mother neglect it, was left to take care of itself.

In 1649 King Charles was beheaded.

Oliver Cromwell then became Protector of England; and as he was a Puritan himself, and had risen by the valor of the English Puritans, he showed himself a loving and indulgent father to the Puritan colonies in America." Grandfather might have continued to talk in this dull manner nobody knows how long; but suspecting that Charley would find the subject rather dry, he looked sidewise at that vivacious little fellow, and saw him give an involuntary yawn.

Whereupon Grandfather proceeded with the history of the chair, and related a very entertaining incident, which will be found in the next chapter..