"God is always merciful, my friend; He has offered you the means by
which you may be saved. He has not thought fit to establish any other
means, or opened up any other way by which you can enter heaven but that
one single way, and He says, `Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
shalt be saved.' Believe, my dear friend; think how precious your soul
is. Remember the thief on the cross; and if, like him, you can truly
say, `I believe,' should the boat be overwhelmed the next minute, you
will be where he is, with Jesus in heaven."

The storm at length ceased, and the sorely battered boat was left
floating calmly on the water; but nearly all the provisions were gone,
two of the oars had been washed overboard, and there was a leak in her
side which it was found impossible altogether to stop, while the crew
were well-nigh worn out.

Mr Hart sat with his beloved wife in his arms, feeling that it might be
God's will that they should not again see land. They were prepared for
whatever He might decree, and they felt more for their two young
companions, and for Harry's mother and sister, of whom he had been
speaking to them, than for themselves. As they gazed at the haggard
faces of the two boys and the old man, it seemed to them that before
long one or the other would be called away.

CHAPTER NINE.

SAVED AND WRECKED.

Well might the unhappy fugitives have despaired. The larger portion of
their provisions had been washed overboard; the remainder were almost
exhausted; their boat was battered and leaky, the seamen were apparently
dying, and unable to determine in what direction to seek for land. For
weeks they might sail on and not find it. Still the missionary and his
companions placed their trust in Him who is able to save them.

A light breeze once more sent the boat through the water. They were
gliding on when Harry observed that old Tom's eye was intently gazing
towards the south-west, yet he did not speak. Harry looked in the same
direction.

"What do you see, lad?" asked old Tom.

Harry rubbed his eyes.

"Yes, it is. A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed.

"I thought so, but feared that my hopes might have deceived me," said
old Tom. "She is standing this way, and is close-hauled."

The boat was steered so as to intercept the stranger. Harry kept his
gaze fixed on her. She was evidently a whaler.

"Can she be the _Steadfast_?" exclaimed Dickey, who was also earnestly
looking at her.

"I was