Newport opened the sealed packet and proceeded to read the laws of the London Company for the new settlement. He was constantly interrupted by exclamations of astonishment.
“Captain Smith appointed a member of the council? Good! now he will have to be released from imprisonment,” said Percy.
“He ought not to be allowed to have a hand in the affairs of the colony; he is too scheming,” interjected Kendall.
“No house and land for each man, and all to work for the common good!” exclaimed Laydon in a disappointed tone. The hope of winning Anne seemed farther away than ever.
The newly appointed council conferred among themselves, rejected Smith as a member, and appointed Wingfield president.
CHAPTER III
Twenty years had the violets bloomed over the grave of Eleanor Dare on the island of Roanoke. In all that time the Indian had planted his corn and tobacco and celebrated the harvest with feasting and dancing unmolested by the white man.
Gentle May, with tender hands, was removing the furry coats of the purple and white hepaticas. The pink anemones, swaying in the breeze, nodded to her as she passed. Down by the pools of quiet waters the beavers were building dams with their racquet-shaped tails, while among the rushes on the river’s bank, slate-blue cranes, standing on one leg, watched for the unwary fish that were to make their dinner.
The rising sun sent its long slanting beams to awaken the colonists to their first day on Virginia’s soil. Rubbing their eyes and stretching their limbs, they set about preparing the morning meal and getting ready for the renewing of the voyage.