Chapter Twenty.
We left the Amity sailing up the Delaware. During her absence, a number of vessels had arrived both from England and from Dutch and German ports, and it pleasant to those interested in the welfare of the colony to see them land their passengers and cargoes, the former often collected in picturesque spots on the banks, under the shelter of white tents, yellow wigwams, dark brown log huts, and sometime green arbours of boughs. Off Chester a shattered weather-beaten bark was seen at anchor. Here also the Amity came to an anchor, although news was brought on board that the governor had already selected the site of his capital on the point of land at the junction of the Delaware and the Schuylkill. Wenlock turned his eyes towards the shattered vessel, and naturally inquired who she was.
“Oh, she is the long lost Concord!” was the answer.
Wild agitation filled his bosom as he heard these words, but it was succeeded by fear.
“What have become of the passengers, then?” he asked.
“Some of them died, but others arrived in her. She was cast away on an island, and only with great difficulty was at length got off.”
“But where are they?” asked Wenlock.
“Most of them are at Chester, though some have gone off to the new city,” was the answer.
Unable to obtain any further information, Wenlock jumped into the first boat returning on shore. He bethought him that he would at once go to his friend, Dr Van Erk, who would be more likely than any one else to give him information. He inquired for his house. Wealth will do much. While others were lodged in huts, the doctor had already secured a comfortable residence for his family. Wenlock hurried towards it, but before he reached it he met the doctor. After they had greeted each other, he told him of whom he was in search.