Every inquiry was made, but none of the vessels which had arrived of late had heard of the Concord. Wenlock had been hoping that they might have come out, and almost expected to see them on board the Welcome. He was now almost in despair. “I grieve for thee, young man,” said the governor; “for I know thy love for my old friend’s daughter. I grieve also myself at his loss, if lost he is.”
Wenlock was unable to speak in reply.
“The only remedy I can advise for thee, is active employment of body and mind, and the reading of the best of books,” added the governor, with a look of compassion at the young man.
Wenlock endeavoured, as far as he could, to follow the advice of his friend. The governor now proceeded up the river, touching on his way at Upland. The inhabitants of the place came out to receive him with delight, a tall pine, which had been allowed to stand when its neighbours were cut away, marking the spot where he went on shore. Turning to Pearson, who had so nobly supported him in his arduous labours among the sick daring the voyage: “What wilt thou, friend, that I should call this place?” he asked.
“Chester, an’ it please thee,” answered Pearson. “It is my native city, and the affection I bear for it will never be effaced. Yet I might transfer some slight portion to this town.”
“Chester, therefore, let it be henceforth called,” answered Penn.
While the governor was stopping at the house of Mr Wade, Wenlock went to visit old Rullock, and to see his own humble abode. He found a large party of Dutch emigrants in the town, who had arrived the day before. Among them he recognised a face he knew. Yes, he was certain. It was that of Dr Van Erk.
“Yes, I am indeed myself!” exclaimed the doctor, shaking Wenlock warmly by the hand. “Not knowing by what tyranny we might next be oppressed at home, I resolved to quit the shores of the Old World, and to seek refuge in the New; and my brother agreeing with me, we have come over with our wives and families. He will carry on mercantile pursuits,—and, by the by, he will be glad, I doubt not, to give you employment,—and I shall follow my own profession. My wife and children will, I am sure, be very glad to see you, but as yet we can show you very little hospitality. But you look somewhat sad, my young friend. Tell me what has occurred?”
Wenlock told him the cause of his sadness.
“Well, we will give you all the consolation in our power.”