me just before I went to sea. I lost it, though, and have
never looked into another since."
"My father gave this to me, and I've kept it carefully ever since. I
wouldn't lose it for worlds," said Ben. "Look here: he wrote my name in
it with his own hand. See: `Benjamin Hadden'--though I was always
called in our parts, Little Ben Hadden."
"You Ben Hadden!" exclaimed the stranger in a husky voice. "Did you
ever hear speak of your brother Ned?"
"Yes indeed," cried Ben eagerly; "I came out to these parts to look for
him. Can you tell me anything about him?"
"Well, I should think so," answered the stranger in the same husky voice
as before; "though, to be sure, I cannot tell you much in his favour.
What should you say if I was to tell you that I am Ned Hadden?"
"You my brother Ned!" exclaimed Ben, in a half-disappointed and doubting
tone of voice. "You wouldn't deceive me, surely. I have long and long
wished to find him. But are you indeed my brother Ned? Oh, tell me!
tell me!"
"Yes, I am Ned Hadden--or was, there is no doubt about that; but I have
become such a savage sort of chap, that I don't know very well what I am
now."
Ben seized Ned's hand, and burst into tears. His brother was so
different from what he had expected to find him--so rough and
savage-looking almost, and ignorant; yet he was thankful that he had
found him. Afterwards, when he thought the matter over, he saw that he
had still greater reason to be thankful that he had found him, for Ned's
own sake: the more savage and ignorant he was, the more important that
he should be instructed in the truths of the gospel. From that moment
forward that was Ben's daily, hourly task. He wished the voyage to be
prolonged, that he might have his brother more to himself, to read to
him, and teach him the Truth. Mr Manners took great pleasure in
helping him in his pious task, and it was easy to see that Ned profited
greatly by their instruction. His first inquiries had been for his
family. He was much affected by hearing of the death of his father and
brothers. That very event seemed to soften his heart, and make him
willing to listen attentively to what Mr Manners and Ben said to him.
He confessed that, when the canoe was seen approaching the island, he
had consented to assist the natives in decoying her in, with the
intention of destroying all on board; but that, on hearing the hymn
sung, and, more than all, on listening to Ben's grace, t
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