"No," somewhat morosely returned Standish. "I shall only be in the way of other men's rejoicings. There's naught for me aboard that or any other ship that floats. No, I say,—push off, Cooke!"
And the captain strode up the hill, and climbed the roof of the Fort to cover and pet his big guns and see that the dampness did them no mischief.
Below, Alden helped Priscilla to make ready all the food remaining in the village, for surely the new-comer had brought supplies, and the famine was at an end.
"If this ship might bring him a wife as perchance it hath to our good surgeon," said John after describing his master's mood.
"Ay, but I fear me he'll be hard to suit," replied Priscilla.
"Natheless, remember sweetheart, you promised me that so soon as the famine was over and our new house finished"—
"And the captain cheerful as his wont."
"Ay, well so soon as all these matters were settled fairly, you promised"—
"Oh sooth, good lad, stand not gaping there and minding me of last winter's snow and last summer's roses! Go and call the captain and the elder to their breakfast while I see to the dear mother."
But breakfast was hardly over when Mistress Winslow ran across the street to the elder's wife.