and my master refused to hold any parley with them, except that he
claimed he was innocent of all wrong in thought or in act.

When the others of the fleet set off to spy out the land, my master
remained aboard the ship, still being a prisoner, except so far
that he wore no fetters, and I would not have left him save he had
commanded me sharply, for at that time, so sore was his heart, that
even a lad like me could now and then say some word which might
have in it somewhat of cheer.

During this time that Captain Smith was with the company and yet not
numbered as one of them, the other gentlemen explored the country,
and more than once was Nathaniel Peacock allowed to accompany them,
therefore did I hear much which otherwise would not have been told
me.

And what happened during these two months when the gentlemen were
much the same as quarreling among themselves, I shall set down in
as few words as possible, to the end that I may the sooner come to
that story of our life in the new village, which some called James
Fort, and others James Town, after King James of England.



EXPLORING THE COUNTRY


When the shallop had been taken out of the hold of the Susan
Constant, and put together by the Carpenters, our people explored
the shores of the bay and the broad streams running into it, meeting