Page:Life in India or Madras, the Neilgherries, and Calcutta.djvu/49

39 both to passengers and sailors, though he had been greatly tried by the behaviour of some of the crew. At our evening prayers he was regular in his attendance. It was evident that he was burdened with a sense of sin and misery. He also evinced much interest in what was being done for the crew. In a conversation with one of his passengers, he requested that “old Bob," a poor Greek sailor, who had long been ill, might have such instruction as he needed. The missionary took occasion to urge upon him the duty and privilege of immediate trust in Christ as a Saviour. The Spirit of God was striving with him, and we feared that if he cast off these solemn impressions, he would be left to go on and perish in his sins.

We were now on our hundredth day at sea. Its evening was bright and beautiful, and our ship dashed nobly through the water. The captain was seated on the ship's rail when I came on deck. He soon came over to the side which I was pacing, and taking a seat, said that he would like to speak with me when I had done walking. After a turn or two, I took my seat upon the rail beside him. He gazed for a few moments at the glittering waters; then turning to me, said, “I have news to tell