"I thank thee, sir," she answered, "and am sure that the company of Governor White will recompense for much else."
With another bow he took her hand and led her to the boat.
The men had gathered around me, shaking my hand as though I were a long-lost brother. I was overcome by the warmth of their greeting, I, whom they had previously shunned as though I had the plague. With shouts and exclamations of pleasure they hovered about me, and followed even the Indian, who met them with the same cold reserve as of yore.
We stepped into the boat, and rowed toward the ship. As we drew near, I saw that the whole company had gathered upon deck, and as we touched the side, they raised a ringing shout.
"Three cheers for Sir Thomas Winchester!" cried one, and with a will they roared them out.
And so amid cheering shouts of welcome, I, who had moved among them in the past with sneers and scorn, came back amidst the plaudits of the throng. Of such are made the fickle crowd; one moment ready to cut a man's throat—the next moment ready to crown him.
My lady's face was flushed with delight, as with starry eyes she looked up at me.
"See," she whispered proudly, "this is how thy fellows would honor thee."
"What does it mean, Governor?" I asked.