THE LANDING. 225 



ISTot one of several landmarks, of which tradition makes 

 mention, now remains. 



I drew my boat ashore npon the clean sand bronght 

 from subterranean recesses by the spring, and iirst 

 paused at a slight depression on a grassy knoll, which is 

 the site of the old warehouse. Wild roses cover the 

 spot now. 



Before following up the spring brook to its source, let 

 me recall one bit of early colonial history connected 

 with the wharf and its belongings. It was during the 

 winter of lT-il-42 that the shallop AiDie lay at the 

 wharf, not temporarily storm - stayed, but ice-bound. 

 The winter had " set in " before she could sail for Phila- 

 delphia, and, as it proved, not a rod of open water was 

 visible until the middle of the ensuing March. So she 

 was made fast and guarded from the ice, should there 

 come a sudden break-up. 



It was the business of one Jemmy Cumberford to look 

 after the boat, and this he did faithfully and well, ex- 

 cept upon such occasions as rendered him unable to look 

 after himself. One such was late in January of that nota- 

 bly severe winter, when about midnight he roused the 

 merchant's family by his shrill cries for help. It hap- 

 pened thus : all through the night before and all that 

 day it had been snowing. K'ot drifting snow-flakes 

 scattering through the air, but steadily descending from 

 a leaden sky hidden behind the feathery rain. IS'ot a 

 vestige of any familiar object was to be seen that did 

 not bear its load of snow. Jemmy Cumberford that af- 

 ternoon, wandered to the boat instead of going home, 

 and when he closed the door of the little cabin behind 

 10^^ 



