hat a church was
commenced.

Old Tom said that he felt very much inclined to remain with them; but
the ship was short-handed.

"It's my duty to stay on board; there is no doubt about that," he
observed; "and I am sure that a man does no good when he deserts his
first duty for the sake of doing anything else, however right that may
be."

Although several natives had been engaged, the addition of the two lads
and Tom to the strength of the crew was very welcome.

Harry and his companion, having bidden farewell to the Christian chief
and his wife, and their many other friends, prepared to embark. Mr
Hart accompanied them to the beach.

"My dear Harry," he said, "I trust that, when far away from this place,
you will not forget the long-benighted savages inhabiting the numberless
islands of the vast Pacific. You will have many opportunities of
telling people at home of their condition, and perhaps may be the means
of inducing some fitted for the task to come out and labour in the
glorious work of making known the gospel."

"Indeed I will, Mr Hart," answered Harry; "and, if my father will
permit me, I will return here as soon as possible myself. I love a sea
life, but would thankfully employ myself, when I possess more knowledge,
in spreading the gospel among the islanders."

"You may possibly combine both objects," answered Mr Hart. "Missionary
ships to convey missionaries from place to place, and to visit them as
often as practicable, are much required, and it is most important that
they should be officered by Christian men; and you may be doing good
service if you obtain a berth on board one, and ultimately be able to
take the command."

"That is exactly what I feel I ought to do," said Harry, as he pressed
his friend's hand; "I will pray that I may be directed aright in the
matter."

Away the _Steadfast_ sailed on her homeward voyage. Harry, to his great
satisfaction, soon found that Mr Champion had resolved to try to induce
his friends at home, or one of the missionary societies, to send out a
mission ship, of which he purposed offering to take the command.

"And I will go with you as mate," exclaimed Harry. "That will indeed be
delightful, and I am sure my father will agree to it; and, from what he
has said to me lately, I do not think he intends to come to sea again."

On speaking to his father, Harry found that he was right in his
conjecture.

"I had, however, intended giving the command of the _