he _Edgar_ arrived in safety in England. Peter had made a successful
voyage, and found himself the possessor of more money than he had ever
expected to receive.

As soon as the ship was safe in dock, and he had performed all the
duties required of him, he left her in charge of the first-mate and
proceeded to pay the promised visit to his late captain's widow and
daughter. He found them living in a neat little cottage near London.
Mrs Sandford had heard of her husband's death, and cordially welcomed
Captain Gray. She was anxious to receive an account of the last days of
his life, which he alone could afford.

"He died as he lived, trusting to the all-sufficient merits of Jesus
Christ his Saviour," said Peter; "it is a blessed thing, Mrs Sandford,
that God's promises are sure, and that those who thus die are taken to
be with Him."

"Indeed it is, Captain Gray; I know that I shall meet my dear husband in
His glorious presence, and my daughter enjoys the same certain hope.
That confidence has taken away the sting of grief which we should
otherwise have felt. It was he who led us to the truth, and constantly
charged us to be prepared for what has occurred: he, indeed, seemed to
be aware that he should be taken during one of his voyages, yet none the
less did he trust in God that all would be well."

Mrs Sandford, after some further conversation, asked whether he
intended going home or taking up his residence in London while he
remained on shore, "because," she added, "as our means are limited, I
purpose taking lodgers, if such offer as I should be willing to
receive."

"I have no home," said Peter, and he gave her an outline of his history;
"if, therefore, you can accommodate me I shall be very glad to remain
here."

Soon after this, Mrs Sandford's daughter Susan entered the room. She
was a pleasing, quiet, gentle girl, and appeared fully to share her
mother's faith; and when Peter had talked with her for some time, he
felt sure from the remarks she made that she was a true and earnest
Christian. Peter had thought and read a good deal. Captain Sandford
had left a well-selected library on board. His knowledge had become
greatly enlarged, without in any way having his simple faith weakened.
The little shepherd-boy was now the thoughtful, intelligent, and
gentlemanly man, not possessed, perhaps, of the polish which mixing in
the great world gives, but that far more enduring refinement which
constant communion wi