He would not listen to any one who tried to persuade him to
stay at home. At last the day came for the ship to sail. It was waiting
in the river. A boat was at the landing, ready to take him on board.
The little chest that held his clothing had been carried down to the
bank. George was in high glee at the thought of going.
"Good-by, mother," he said.
He stood on the doorstep and looked back into the house. He saw the
kind faces of those whom he loved. He began to feel very sad.
"Good-by, my dear boy!"
George saw the tears in his mother's eyes. He saw them rolling down
her cheeks. He knew that she did not wish him to go. He could not bear
to see her grief.
He stood still for a moment, thinking. Then he turned quickly and said,
"Mother, I have changed my mind. I will stay at home and do as you
wish." Then he called to the black boy, who was waiting at the door,
and said, "Tom, run down to the shore and tell them not to put the
chest in the boat. Send word to the captain not to wait for me, for
I have changed my mind. I am not going to sea."
Who has not heard of George Washington? It has been said of him that
he was the "first in war, the first in peace, and first in the hearts
of his countrymen.
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