. It was just before
you came down. I _think_ we shall not be lost. God would not make me
feel so happy if we were going to be lost, would He?"

"I think not, Ailie," replied Glynn, whose conscience reproached him for
his ignorance of the passages in God's word referred to by his
companion, and who felt that he was receiving rather than administering
comfort. "When I came down I did not very well know how I should
comfort you, for this is certainly the most tremendous gale I ever saw,
but somehow I feel as if we were in less danger now. I wish I knew more
of the Bible, Ailie. I'm ashamed to say I seldom look at it."

"Oh, that's a pity, isn't it, Glynn?" said Ailie, with earnest concern
expressed in her countenance, for she regarded her companion's ignorance
as a great misfortune; it never occurred to her that it was a sin. "But
it's very easy to learn it," she added with an eager look. "If you come
to me here every day we can read it together. I would like to have you
hear me say it off, and then I would hear you."

Before he could reply the vessel received a tremendous shock which
caused her to quiver from stem to stern.

"She must have been struck by lightning," cried Glynn, starting up and
hurrying towards the door. Ailie's frightened look returned for a few
minutes, but she did not tremble as she had done before.

Just as Glynn reached the top of the ladder the hatch was opened and the
captain thrust in his head.

"Glynn, my boy," said he, in a quick, firm tone, "we are ashore.
Perhaps we shall go to pieces in a few minutes. God knows. May He in
His mercy spare us. You cannot do much on deck. Ailie must be looked
after till I come down for her. Glynn, _I depend upon you_."

These words were uttered hurriedly, and the hatch was shut immediately
after. It is impossible to describe accurately the conflicting feelings
that agitated the breast of the young sailor as he descended again to
the cabin. He felt gratified at the trust placed in him by the captain,
and his love for the little girl would at any time have made the post of
protector to her an agreeable one; but the idea that the ship had struck
the rocks, and that his shipmates on deck were struggling perhaps for
their lives while he was sitting idly in the cabin, was most trying and
distressing to one of his ardent and energetic temperament. He was not,
however, kept long in suspense.

Scarcely had he regained the cabin when the ship ag