[Winthrop goes to barrel, and scoops out a small portion of meal.]
Winthrop. [Sadly.] This is the last of our corn. [Looks at Mrs. Freeman.]
Mrs. Freeman. [Promptly.] Let Clap have it, by all means. What say you, neighbors?
All. Yes, let him have it, to be sure!
[Winthrop puts meal in a dish, which he is about to hand to Clap, when there is a knock on the door. It opens before the Servant can reach it, and Samuel Garrett rushes in.]
Samuel. [To Winthrop, breathlessly.] Your Excellency, the Lyon has come! [The company are startled and surprised, and scarcely believe him.]
Winthrop. Boy, is this the truth? How do you know?
Samuel. Indeed, Your Excellency, it is nothing but the truth! I was down on the shore, when I looked across the bay, and saw a great ship entering the harbor. And as I ran up to bring you word, I heard a man saying that Captain Pierce was even now being rowed ashore.
[Before any one can speak, there is a loud knock on the door, and as the Servant hastily opens it, Captain Pierce appears on the threshold. Winthrop rushes to meet him, and seizes him by both hands.]
Winthrop. Never was man, or ship, more welcome! William Pierce! Thank Heaven!