Part 3 (1/2)

”Do not shoot on such a beautiful night,” the girl pleaded; ”everything is so peaceful, and the poor animals ought to enjoy their life, too, and not always be in danger of being killed by men, beasts, and Indians.”

”You are a little Samaritan,” Fred laughed, ”and a poet, too; well, if I don't see anything, I won't shoot.”

But nothing came in sight, and so within half an hour the children were rapping at the door of the Governor's home. Here they were kindly, received by the Governor and his wife, who urged them at once to lay off their wraps and make themselves at home.

”We do not care to stay this evening, kind sir,” Fred said; ”for at home father and mother are waiting for Matthew.”

He handed the Governor the note, which he took and read.

”I see,” he said; ”so your father has declared his willingness to adopt Matthew. That is very fine of him. I shall see him tomorrow and draw up the papers.”

”Where is Matthew now?” Agnes asked a little impatiently.

”He is at the home of the Reverend Mr. Davenport,” Mr. Winthrop said; ”the good parson wanted to examine him with respect to his religious opinions. But I trow they will be back soon, for they left quite a time ago.”

Fortunately the children did not have to wait long for Matthew, who with the Governor's son John had gone to the pastor's manse. In the meanwhile Mrs. Winthrop regaled them with baked apples and sweet cider.

”Well, Father,” John said, as he came in, ”Matthew has pa.s.sed the test, and the parson has found him efficient in faith and morals.”

”Good, my son,” Governor Winthrop replied; ”it pleases me to hear that.

Come forward, Matthew, for I have good news for you.”

Fred and Agnes looked with deep interest at the boy. He was somewhat taller than Fred, but did not seem to be as strong as he. Evidently the lad had starved a good deal on the voyage, for he looked haggard and wan. Also he was dressed quite poorly. The visit to the minister had, no doubt, been a great strain on him. He was timid and bashful, and as the Governor addressed him, his cheeks became scarlet.

”Come on, my son,” Governor Winthrop said, ”and be not afraid. We shall not send you back, for you will have a good home with the Bradleys. G.o.d has provided for you a dwelling place.”

Fred liked his new brother right away, for his blue eyes had an honest and straight forward look.

”You will go with us right now to your new home” he told him after he had shaken hands with him. ”Here is my sister Agnes,” he added.

Agnes was a bit timid for a moment, but her sweet good nature a.s.serted itself.

”I believe we must carry you,” she said smilingly, ”since you have no snow-shoes. Where we live is a good ways off, and we must wade through heavy snow.”

”I cannot walk on snow-shoes,” Matthew said bashfully, ”but I wilt try my best to follow you.”

”The snow is frozen pretty hard,” Fred mused, ”and I do not think you will break through. So let us go.”

With a word of caution the Governor sent them on their way, and soon they were lost from view in the dark woods.

The children traveled slowly in order that their young friend might follow them with ease. He seemed to be very tired, and no wonder, for the trip across the ocean and the rude experiences after landing on the strange sh.o.r.e had worn him out. Nevertheless, he walked bravely through the deep snow, happy to be in company of children so kind and good.

But he was very glad when finally the lights of Mr. Bradley's large log house greeted them and the weary trip was over.

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley greeted the new-corner warmly, and soon he had lost his fear, and felt quite at home.

After a cup of refres.h.i.+ng tea he related his story, Which explained why he had left England and come to America.

”You see,” he said, ”my father died, and it was hard for me to secure work, so that I was only a burden to my dear mother, who had all she, could do to feed the other children who are smaller than I. A friend of my father's had promised to advance the fare, but when my parent died, he withdrew the offer. My mother was willing that I should go. As soon as I have earned enough money, I shall send it to England and have her come here.”