re scattered through the country, they
would, with God's blessing, carry Christianity and civilisation to the
long benighted and cruelly treated people."

"You speak the truth, madam, the matter is worthy of consideration,"
observed the guest, turning to Miss Sarah. "I have learned several
things since I came into your house. I wish that I could remain longer
to learn more, but I am compelled to go up to London; and as I feel
myself sufficiently strong to travel, I must, early to-morrow morning,
wish you farewell."

CHAPTER THREE.

The shipwrecked stranger had taken his departure; he had paid the
doctor, and sent a present to the coast-guard men who had assisted to
carry him to the house; but he had not offered to remunerate the
lieutenant or Tom for the service they had rendered him, though he
feelingly expressed his gratitude to them. Perhaps he considered, and
he was not wrong in so doing, that they not only did not require a
reward for performing an act of humanity, but would have felt hurt had
it been offered them.

The next morning the lieutenant and Ned started on a walk along the
cliffs to inquire at Longview station about the coast-guard man who had
nearly been killed on the night of the wreck. The sky was clear, the
blue ocean slumbered below their feet, the gentle ripples which played
over it sparkling in the bright rays of the sun. A large vessel, with a
wide spread of canvas, was gliding majestically by on her way down
channel. Ned gazed at her with a wistful eye.

"I wish that I were on board that fine craft," he said at length. "I am
very happy at home, and I don't want to leave you and Aunt Sally and
Mary, but I feel that I ought to be doing something for myself. You and
my father went to sea before you were as old as I am. I don't like to
be idle and a burden to you. If you did not disapprove of it, I would
go before the mast and work my way up--many have done so who are now
masters in the merchant service; though, as you know, I would rather go
into the navy, but from what you tell me that is out of the question.
The owners of your old ship would, I dare say, take me as an apprentice;
I'll try and do my duty, and learn to be a sailor so as to become an
officer as soon as possible."

"You look far ahead; but it is all right, my boy, and I am very sure of
one thing, that you will do your duty and reap the reward, whatever
happens. I'll write to Clew, Earring and Grummet, and ask the