The Puritan Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins
page 46 of 95 (48%)
page 46 of 95 (48%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
pace. When he reached the group, Dan was up behind his father on the
pillion with his arms about him, and standing before them on the ground was a black boy about William's own size and age. He had only a little ragged clothing on, and what he had seemed to make him uneasy, perhaps because he had been used to none at all in his native home far across the sea. His eyes were rolling wildly from one face to another, and it was plain that he was in a great state of fear. "He is but a savage as yet," said Goodman Pepperell. "He was doubtless roughly handled on the voyage and hath naught but fear and hatred in his heart. It will take some time to make a Christian of him! Thou must help in the task, Daniel, for thou art near his age and can better reach his darkened mind. As yet he understands but one thing. He can eat like a Christian, or rather like two of them! We must tame him with food and kindness." "What is his name?" asked Daniel, still gazing at the boy with popping eyes, for never before had he seen a skin so dark. [Illustration] "Call him Zeb," said his father. "Come, Zeb," said William, taking the boy gently by the arm, and looking compassionately into the black face. "Food!" He shouted the word at him as if he were deaf, but poor Zeb, completely bewildered by these strange, meaningless sounds, only shrank away from him and looked about as if seeking a way of escape. Daniel immediately sprang from the pillion and seized Zeb's other arm. |
|