earts that break in silence, of the eyes that grow dim in straining
at signals on heights beyond the vision of mortal man, of hands that lose
their hold on immortality, because of the merciless buffetings of the
world.

"This looks like a wrecked world around us, but there was a splendor here
once. Here the alphabet of the stars was first traced out, and the order
of their shining processions made known; here barbarism was first beaten
back; the first code was made here; here were originated the sciences of
architecture and of war; here the arts of agriculture and mechanics were
born; and here was lighted and kept bright the flame of knowledge until
it became a beacon to the world, that, before that light was kindled, was
altogether dark.

"The tides of the sea advance and recede. It may be so with nations. The
earth was made habitable by convulsions that rent its crust, the storms
that beat upon it, and by the grinding of glaciers; the pressure
necessary to create the rocks and coal measures was brought to bear; the
continents were upheaved; the seas were beaten back; the world was loaded
for a limitless voyage, before the vapors were rolled back, the full dawn
was born.

"We cannot see far, but if this life is all there is to us, then, indeed,
it is a pitiful failure. If our thoughts and longings are bounded by this
little span of life, then there is no balance-sheet for mortality. The
gift of life is then not worth the expense of supporting it.

"But, if, like the earth, the beatings and upheavals and sorrows are but
the preparation for the perfect dawn, with peace in its coming, with the
increase of immortal flowers in its air; if there are to be a time and
place where there is to be full fruition, then it is different, and we
can afford to smile as the frosts of disappointment chill us, as the salt
spray of misfortune is dashed in our faces.

"Tom, with such gifts as are given us, we must do the best we can for
ourselves and our fellow-men; must do it with faith and courage, do it
with gentleness and in truth, and with a purpose so high that we shall
never fear anything except to do the wrong.

"And all the rest we may leave to God."

It was hot and calm all the voyage through the Red Sea, the straits,
and Gulf of Aden, till, when rounding the stormy cape of Guardafui and
the ship swept out upon the broader ocean, the barometer dropped rapidly
and a furious storm came on. It was really a mighty gale, and the