Chapter I: Preface

The true American is happy in the thought that his country is a great and glorious one. He can say with his heart as well as his lips, "This is the land of the Free and the home of the Brave."

Those who journey far from their native land and find themselves in foreign countries tell us how they are stirred and thrilled when by any chance the stars and stripes of the American flag meet their view. These stars and stripes stand for the struggles for freedom, the brave deeds in the cause of right and justice, the heroism of those who have laid down their lives that their country should still live, and the brother-love that binds together all the men, women, and children who can say, "I am an American!"

It is only right that the boys and girls of America, as soon as they are able to understand, should hear the stories of those who took the first steps toward the building of this nation—those who risked life and fortune and who were willing to face unknown dangers for the sake of freedom.

If these boys and girls of America are to grow up with the earnest desire of keeping the sacred trust that must descend to them; if they are to keep this country the land of the free and the home of the brave; if their aspirations and ideals shall be of the highest and the purest, so that the powers and privileges of America shall increase rather than diminish with the coming years, then let the plant of patriotism take root early in their hearts that it may grow with their growth and blossom in perfect fullness with their maturer years.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I. THE NORSEMEN 11

II. THE GENOESE SAILOR 29

III. JOHN CABOT AND THE CODFISH 49

IV. THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH 58

V. THE GOOD KNIGHT AND THE LOST BABY 64

VI. THE STORY OF A DARING MAN 75

VII. HENRY HUDSON 95

VIII. THE PILGRIMS 109

IX. LITTLE PILGRIMS OF LONG AGO 127

X. ROGER WILLIAMS 136

XI. THE FATHER OF WATERS 141

XII. THE STORY OF A YOUNG QUAKER 158

XIII. LORD BALTIMORE AND THE CATHOLICS 167

XIV. THE POOR DEBTORS 177

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

THE NORSEMEN _Frontispiece_ 18

COLUMBUS AND HIS FLAG-SHIP 36

THE ENGLISH TRADING WITH THE INDIANS 68

THE DUTCH CHILDREN AT PLAY 102

FUR-TRADING WITH THE FRENCH 142