on it. The ship
glided out into the heaving ocean; and as she heeled over, Archy thought
the masts would go over the side; but sail (though not without
difficulty) was rapidly shortened, and the masts stood firm. Onwards,
as before, she flew in her course; several other bergs were weathered,
till at length all present dangers were passed, and she was now hove-to
to await the termination of the storm. In a few hours the gale ceased,
and once more she proceeded on her course.

A calm succeeded the storm. The ship floated on the smooth water. It
was the Sabbath-day; the captain as usual had summoned the crew to
prayers, the greater number went willingly, for they were well aware of
the imminent danger they had escaped, and were glad to express their
gratitude to Him who had preserved them. Max Inkster, with a few
others, made excuses for staying away.

"What, lad, are you going to hear the old man preach?" he asked, with a
sneer, as he saw Archy making his way aft. "For my part, I think we
have too much of that sort of thing aboard here. I have made up my mind
to cut and run from the ship if I could find a few brave fellows to
accompany me. We should have more liberty and a larger allowance of
grog, with less psalm-singing, on board other vessels I know of, and
reach home sooner again into the bargain. But don't you go and tell
others what I say; I only ask you, if we go, will you join us?"

"I'll think about it, Max," answered Archy, "but I promised old Andrew
that I would attend prayers."

"Much good may your prayers do you," sneered Max. "You are the fellow
who sneaked off from his dying mother, and now you talk of praying."

"I did, I did," groaned Archy, "and I feel how wicked I was to do so."

As all the other men had by this time collected in the cabin, Archy
could stay no longer, and hurried off, the words last spoken by Max
ringing in his ears. He thought of them all the time the captain was
offering up prayer, and returning thanks to God for having mercifully
preserved him and his crew from the danger to which they had been
exposed, and humbly petitioning for protection for the future.

When the service was over, as Archy was leaving the cabin, Captain
Irvine called him back.

The old captain had been ill for some days. Archy was struck with his
peculiarly grave and solemn manner. He kindly took the young boy's
hand.

"I have a few words to say to you, lad," he said. "I knew your father;