ciently charitable in
judging others, while I have been at the same time professing to have
the spirit of the great Redeemer."

Captain Wilkins held a prayer-meeting in his cabin each evening before
the watch was set, and his friend Macvie nearly always attended, and
professed to receive great spiritual benefit therefrom. At those
devotional gatherings there was a simple petition offered to the Giver
of all good that He should guard them during the night from the
crimeful visitations of wicked men who coveted that which did not
belong to them, and who did not shrink from murder in order to get it.
Captain Wilkins had a profound belief in the efficacy of prayer, and
was therefore staggered when he realized about two o'clock one morning
that a giant of coppery colour stood over him with a revolver, while
his compatriots helped themselves to all that was of value. At the time
this was going on in the cabin, there stood an armed man at the
entrance to the sailors' forecastle, and another in the galley in
unpleasant proximity to the eldest apprentice, who had fallen asleep
before the fire, and while he had slept the vessel had been boarded.
Had he attempted to move or shout or make a noise of any kind
whatsoever, his life would have been instantly taken, and his body
thrown into the rushing stream. Poor fellow! I have often heard him
speak of the dull terror that took possession of him when he awoke and
saw that his own life and the lives of the whole ship's company
depended on his submission and silence. The chronometer, every piece of
brass, and every sail and rope of any importance was taken out of her,
and this included the sails that were unbent. In fact, there was not a
single article of that kind left aboard when the brigands went from
alongside. This was one of the most daring and gigantic robberies that
had taken place during the whole time the fleet had lain at anchor.
Naturally it created a great sensation both afloat and ashore. Captain
Wilkins was the object of much genuine sympathy. The whole of the
personal losses of his officers and himself were promptly made good by
subscription, and a good deal of the vessel's loss was contributed for
as well. Never a finger was put on the perpetrators, though it was said
the authorities were cognizant of their whereabouts. It was also
whispered that they had accomplices in persons holding high official
position, but this was never in any degree proved, and I should say it