by Elise Moody-Roberts and Elise Littlefield
Finally, the time came when Captain Christopher Jones had to take the Mayflower back to England. It was April 5, 1621, a warm, windy spring day, just right for sailing. Captain Jones walked up to John Carver's house and knocked on the door.
"Why hello, Captain," exclaimed John Carver when he opened the door.
"Hi, John," answered Captain Jones. "I have some news for you."
"Well, just sit down and get to the point," said John jokingly. The captain sat down.
"I have to take the ship back to England today," he said. "Would you mind asking your people if any of them want to come back with me? It will be their only chance to go back to England, you know."
John was simply stunned.
"Really?" he asked. "You're leaving so soon?"
"Yes," answered the captain. "I am." John quickly called a meeting of the Pilgrims. When everyone was there, he started to speak.
"Well," John began. "Captain Jones is going to sail back to England and is offering to bring back anyone who wants to go." There was a great silence in the room. Then a hush went through the crowd.
"I won't!" claimed Stephen Hopkins. "And neither will my family!"
"Neither will my family!" commented William Brewster. Soon there was a chorus of "No's!" and "I won'ts!"
"Silence!" shouted John Carver. "Please, raise your hand if anyone wants to go back to England. The room was quiet. Nobody raised their hands. John turned to Captain Jones.
"I guess nobody would like to go back to England, though thank you for offering and bringing us here." John said. "God will never forget you." The Pilgrims walked outside and watched the ship leave.
"Farewell, Captain!" they yelled. "Hope you make it back safely!!!!" They watched in total silence as the ship sailed away.
"Mommy?" one child said. "What if I change my mind and want to go back to England?"
"I'm sorry, honey," answered his mother. "You can't, now."