Can it be wondered at that Nathaniel Peacock and I were filled to
overflowing with admiration for this wonderful soldier, or that we
desired above all things to see him?

We loitered about the streets of London town from daylight until
night had come again, hoping to feast our eyes upon this same John
Smith, who was to us one of the wonders of the world, because in
so short a time he had made his name as a soldier famous in all
countries, and yet we saw him not.

We had searched London town over and over for mayhap a full month,
doing nothing else save hunt for the man whose life had been so
filled with adventure, and each time we returned home, Mistress
Peacock reproached me with being an idle good for nothing, and
Nathaniel but little better.

I believe it was her harsh words which caused to spring up in my
heart a desire to venture into the new world, where it was said
gold could be found in abundance, and even the smallest lad might
pick up whatsoever of wealth he desired, if so be his heart was
strong enough to brave the journey across the great ocean.

The more I thought of what could be found in that land, which was
called Virginia, the stronger grew my desire, until the time came
when it was a fixed purpose in my mind, and not until then did I
breathe to Nathaniel a word of that which had been growing within
me.

He took fire straightway I spoke of what it might be possible for