iple. Not denying the interest she felt in him, she distinctly
told him that she would never engage herself to marry one who did not
desire faithfully to serve the same God and Master whom she did.

Leonard did not clearly understand her meaning, as, indeed, no one still
following the ways of the world can comprehend the spiritually minded.

In vain she spoke to him. Perhaps not till he had sailed did she
discover how completely, in spite of her resolutions, she had given him
her heart. All she could now do was to pray that the young sailor might
be brought to a knowledge of the truth.

That evening, while the storm was raging, her mind had been far away on
board the _Steadfast_, and her heart sickened as she remembered the
dangers to which he might be exposed, and the hazardous pursuit in which
he was engaged.

"Perhaps Mr Champion may give Harry some of the books to read which he
took with him," observed Hannah. "I chose such as I thought most likely
to interest him."

"I fear Harry is very little addicted to reading," answered Mrs
Graybrook.

"Is there no one else on board likely to speak to Harry on religious
subjects, mother? Are none of the other mates Christians?" asked
Hannah, anxiously.

"I fear not," said Mrs Graybrook. "There is, however, old Tom Hayes,
who has sailed for many years with your father, and has frequently been
at our house. I have at times heard him let drop expressions which
induced me to believe that he is a Christian man. Your father has
spoken of him as a Methodist, and observed that, though he did not think
much of his opinions, he was the most sober and steady man he ever had
with him, and one of his best boat-steerers and harpooners. I remember
being struck by the old man's calm and intelligent countenance and his
gentle and unassuming manners, which true and simple religious faith
could alone impart. When we were last on board the ship he expressed
himself more openly to me than he had ever before done. I spoke to him
about Harry, and he assured me that he would do his best to look after
him and keep him out of danger. He was going to say more, when he was
called away to attend to some duty, and I had no other opportunity of
speaking to him."

"I remember the old sailor," said Hannah. "How I wish that I had
thought of talking with him! But I am afraid that Harry will not be
inclined to listen to anything which a person whom he will look upon as
his inferior may sa