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Show Page 28 "And as for the men treating their wives as squaws-that's a silly thought. Wherever Englishmen are, they will always behave as Englishmen. The trick is to find a good man, one who will treat his wife proper wheresoever he may be. "It's fripperous nonsense, too, that women cannot bear children. Many a lusty English babe has already been born in the New World. I, for one, intend to have my share." "Aye," I answered, "should the Indians let you live so long. I doubt your flaming banner will be safe for a moment." "Pish!" answered Anne. "Did you not see the Indian, Pocahontas, when she was in London in 1616? Nay, likely you did not since you were scarce but a babe yourself. But I saw her and her Indian companions one day as they rode through the streets. Aye, they dress in strange costumes and have dusky skin, but to my way of thinking they are a most handsome people. Put aside your worries, Sarah. Methinks we have naught to fear from the natives of Virginia." Praying she was right, I lay down to try to snatch a few hours of sleep. At last it was morning. When we came on deck it was to see a swarm of about four hundred bronzed, sturdy men awaiting the prospective brides. Many were dressed in leather doublets and breeches and wore cavalier hats with cocky plumes. Some carried glittering swords and fowling-pieces. It was a sight to thrill the most reluctant husband-seeker and for the most |
