He proposed cruising for some time for whales in those latitudes, and
then sailing south, to touch at one of the Society Islands.

The day after we sailed, the captain called me into his cabin.

"I have heard your history, my lad, from your friend, Dick Driver, and I
find that you have had no advantages of education, while I am afraid
that you are very ignorant of gospel truth, without which all education
is of no avail in God's sight."

"As I have not seen a book since I was on board the _Dolphin_, I suspect
that I should prove a bad hand at reading, sir," I answered: "but I have
not forgotten what Miss Kitty told me about the love of Jesus to sinful
man; how He willingly offered Himself up to be punished instead of us,
that all who believe on Him may be free, and be able to go to God as
children go to an affectionate father, and ask Him for all they want;
and that when we die we may be sure that we shall be taken to live with
Him in great joy and happiness for ever and ever."

"Ah, my dear boy," exclaimed the captain, his eye brightening with
pleasure, "you already know then the most important truths I can tell
you. And do you indeed believe that Jesus died for you, and is your
Saviour, and loves you, and watches over you, and sends His Holy Spirit
to help you to love Him, and serve Him, and to keep you out of
temptation?"

"Yes, indeed I do, sir," I answered. "I pray to God through Him every
night and morning, and I believe that He has preserved me from the many
dangers I have gone through."

Though I have not mentioned it, I had often talked with Dick of all Miss
Kitty had taught me, and the knowledge of God's love more than anything
else had supported us; and I am very sure that Dick felt as I did,
though he might not have been able to explain himself so clearly. I had
made great progress indeed under Miss Kitty's instruction; thus,
although for some time I at first found it difficult to read the New
Testament, which the captain put into my hands, I gradually regained the
knowledge I had lost.

The kind captain, after the conversation I have mentioned, invited me
into the cabin every day, and took great pains in instructing me in
reading and writing. Until I could do so myself, he read a portion of
God's Word, which he explained to me in a very simple and clear manner.
I did my utmost to learn, as I was now of an age to be ashamed of my
ignorance, especially when I found that the two ship's boys read