"Yes, and much more. You would have found what I now say in the book I
lent you," observed the mate.

"I have not yet read it, but I will try and do so," said Harry; "still,
except on a Sunday, I have not much time, as you know, and the book
appeared to me very dull."

"I am not surprised at that, for I thought it so myself, though I read
it. But now, Harry, that I have had time for reflection, and feel how
nearly I was lost, I see its value," said Mr Champion. "Let me ask you
to read it, Harry, even although you do find it dull."

Harry promised that he would, and fully intended to read it.

Captain Graybrook observed the change which had come over his mate, but
he forbore to ask him questions; he could scarcely suppose, however,
that a peril to which seamen are so constantly exposed should have
produced the change.

"I thought Mr Champion was as brave as any fellow in the ship,"
observed Dickey Bass to Harry. "It seems to me that he must have been
in a terrible fright, being carried off by the seal, or he would not
look so grave and down-hearted as he seems."

"I don't think it was fear, for I am very sure he is as brave as any man
alive," answered Harry; but he made no other remark, for of late he had
become less willing than formerly to talk to Bass on such a subject,
suspecting as he did the real cause of the change which his young
shipmate had observed in the second mate.

CHAPTER FOUR.

A NIGHT ADVENTURE.

The _Steadfast_ now steered westward across the Pacific. Leonard
Champion was indeed much changed. He no longer took pleasure in the
light reading and frivolous conversation in which he had previously
indulged. He knew that he was a sinner, and he believed that Jesus
Christ died to save sinners; but he had not discovered that by simple
faith in the all-sufficient atonement of the Saviour's precious blood
shed on Calvary, his sins were already washed away, and that he might
live rejoicing in the love of God, and go to Him as a child goes to an
affectionate parent, with the certainty of obtaining all he asks for, if
it is for his good.

Leonard, however, took every opportunity of talking to Harry. Harry
listened respectfully; but he thought that the mate was ill and out of
spirits, and he did not feel, therefore, that he need be much influenced
by what was said.

Several weeks passed, and once more the cheering cry of "There she
spouts!" was heard, and several whales were captured.