must have patience still," said the mate. "We talk a
good deal about putting our trust in God; this is an occasion which will
show whether our trust is real. We are _always_ to trust Him."

"So I try to do," said Alice. "I will not doubt again that He will
order all things for the best."

"Well, my little girl, you must take my advice, and go back to the house
with your brother. Your staying here won't bring the vessel nearer; and
I will send for you at daybreak should she be seen."

The doctor, approving of the mate's advice, accompanied Walter and
Alice, and promised to stay in the house with them; while the mate, Nub,
and Dan remained at the station to keep the fire burning. Alice thought
that she should not go to sleep; but she did, notwithstanding, and
afterwards confessed that she dreamed all sorts of delightful dreams--
and, what was not altogether wonderful, some of them came perfectly
true.

The light was streaming through the chinks in her shutters, when she was
awakened by Nub shouting out, "De vessel in sight! de vessel in sight!"
Walter was so fast asleep that she had to call him, and she was ready to
leave her room as soon as he was. The doctor had waited for them, and
all three followed Nub, who had run back to the flagstaff.

A light breeze was floating out the flag, and filling the sails of a
small schooner, which came gliding on towards the mouth of their
harbour. When at about a mile distant she hove-to, and a boat was
launched from her deck, and, impelled by four lusty rowers, rapidly
approached the shore.

The mate watched her eagerly. "She is a whale-boat," he exclaimed; "and
I cannot help thinking that I have seen her and her crew before, as well
as the man standing up and steering with an oar. Alice,--Walter, can
you guess who that man is?"

"Yes! yes!" exclaimed Walter; "I know his attitude. Alice, it is our
father!"

Alice did not faint, but she cried for joy. The mate waved with his
hand, pointing to the entrance of the harbour; and then they all hurried
down, and along the shore to the nearest spot where the boat could
safely put in. The doctor and Walter had to support Alice; while Nub,
frantic with joy, eagerly rushed on ahead.

The boat had hardly reached the rocks when the father recognised his
children, and in a few minutes he had sprung on shore and clasped them
in his arms. Neither could speak for some minutes. He then shook the
mate and the doctor warmly by t