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Show Page 96 "My oldest brother, of course, took over the family farm. For a few years I worked as a tenant farmer for him. But I wanted my own land and I knew I would not gain it in England. Not wanting to be beholden to my brother for my fare and my provisions, I indentured myself to Richard Martin, for whom our plantation is named, and, at age twenty and one, came away to Virginia." "Is land part of your freedom dues?" asked Anne. John nodded. "I am to receive fifty acres. And I will receive fifty acres more when I gain my freedom and send for my youngest brother and claim his headright. Happy I am we have peace with the natives. I would not like to bring William to a land of danger." "Think you the natives will remain at peace?" asked Cisly, John nodded again. "I do, though it will be no thanks to that strutting dandiprat, Richard Kean. The way he drills us constantly and goes about dressed in his armor! He gives the impression he trusts the Indians not one whit!" "He has a great responsibility," protested Anne. "He acts as he sees fit for the safety of the settlement. And he no longer wears a full suit of armor, none at all when he visits. " "Besides, some people are inclined to be too trusting," chided Cisly. "There are some who go about with the natives, desiring to learn their ways--even learning to hunt with a |