lids--and out of which the waters of
consolation might be pumped for evermore without pumping dry. The idea
of self never suggested itself in the presence of these two. The
consequence was that everybody adored them. It was rather a selfish
adoration, we fear, nevertheless it was extremely delightful--to the
adorers, we mean--and doubtless not unpleasant to the adored.

The love of God, in Christ, was the foundation of their characters.

Of the McKay family we cannot speak so confidently. Elspie, indeed, was
all that could be desired, and Fergus was in all respects a sterling
man; but the head of the family was, as we have seen, open to
improvement in many respects, and Duncan junior was of that
heart-breaking character which is known as ne'er-do-weel. Possibly, if
differently treated by his father, he might have been a better man. As
it was, he was unprincipled and hasty of temper.

Little wonder that, when thrown together during a long voyage--to an
almost unknown land--Elspie McKay and Daniel Davidson should fall into
that condition which is common to all mankind, and less wonder that,
being a daring youth with a resolute will, Daniel should manage to
induce the pliant, loving Elspie, to plight her troth while they were
gazing over the ship's side at the first iceberg they met. We may as
well hark back here a little, and very briefly sketch the incident. It
may serve as a guide to others.

The two were standing--according to the report of the bo's'n, who
witnessed the whole affair--"abaft the main shrouds squintin' over the
weather gangway." We are not quite sure of the exact words used by that
discreditable bo's'n, but these are something like them. It was
moon-light and dead calm; therefore propitious, so far, to Daniel's
design--for Daniel undoubtedly had a design that night, obvious to his
own mind, and clearly defined like the great iceberg, though, like it
too, somewhat hazy in detail.

"What a glorious, magnificent object!" exclaimed Elspie, gazing in
wonder at the berg, the pinnacles of which rose considerably above the
mast-head.

"Yes, very glorious, very magnificent!" said Daniel, gazing into the
maiden's eyes, and utterly regardless of the berg.

"I wonder how such a huge mass ever manages to melt," said Elspie--for
the human mind, even in pretty girls, is discursive.

"_I_ wonder it does not melt at once," said Dan, with pointed emphasis.

"What do you mean?" she asked, turning her ey