has
befallen her may befall us or any other ship that floats, or ever will
float, quite as suddenly, quite as unexpectedly. I hope that what we
have witnessed to-night will enable us to realise more fully and vividly
than ever, how completely we are in the hands of God, and how absolutely
dependent upon His mercy. Good night, captain!"

I returned the salutation; and, as the baronet slowly and thoughtfully
descended the companion, I mechanically turned away and began to pace
the deck, with my thoughts busy upon the solemn words I had just heard,
and the occasion that had given rise to them. And, as I did so, albeit
I am perhaps no worse than the average man, the carelessness and
indifference of my own conduct in the past rose up in judgment against
me and condemned me of the grossest ingratitude for countless past
mercies; the most shameful disobedience; the most criminal neglect to
render to my Creator that honour and glory which is His due. And I
there and then registered a solemn vow that from that moment I would
lead a new and a better life; a vow that, I grieve to say, was
afterwards far too frequently forgotten.

On the following day, after breakfast, Mr Roberts informed me that
Martin had asked to be put into a watch; and he wished to know whether I
was willing that such an arrangement should be made. I, of course, had
no objection whatever to the proposal, as I by no means believe in idle
people in the forecastle. So I told Mr Roberts to arrange the matter,
and at the same time to keep an eye on the man; it being my intention to
regularly ship him, if he proved worth having and should be willing to
sign articles; the second mate's being one hand weaker than the larboard
watch.

About a week after this, little Edgar Desmond came up to me and,
slipping his hand into mine, as was his wont when he desired to have a
chat with me, began, in the straightforward way usual with children--

"Captain, where do you think will be a good place for me to sail my
boat, when she is finished?"

"Your boat?" said I. "I didn't know that you are making one."

"Oh no," said the child; "I am not making one; it is that new man,
Martin, who is making it for me. And he is making it _so_ nicely; just
like a _real_ boat. Come and see it, will you?"

Willing to humour the child, I walked forward with him; and on reaching
the forecastle found Martin busy about some ordinary job connected with
the usual routine work of the sh