Page:Memorials of Capt. Hedley Vicars, Ninety-seventh Regiment by Marsh, Catherine, 1818-1912.djvu/104

Rh reference to the fast for the army, which had been kept throughout the country the day before, he was constantly prayed for, from that time until its owner heard of his death.

A large number of young men, chiefly navvies, were present that evening, and at our request he told them the story of his conversion. To illustrate the recklessness of his life before that great change took place, he mentioned among other acts of useless and even sinful daring, that when he was in the West Indies at the time the cholera was raging, he and one brother officer determined to punish another for being afraid of it.

"Let us put him into a coffin!" said Hedley. No sooner spoken than acted upon. A row of coffins stood at the hospital door. Undeterred from their reckless purpose, by finding one after another filled by a silent occupant, they at last succeeded in their object.

The companion of Hedley Vicars in this sinful practical joke was seized with cholera shortly afterwards; but, by God's forbearing mercy, he was spared for better things.

At the close of his address, he turned round, and said to me, with characteristic frank simplicity, "I am sorry you asked me to speak of myself; one is afraid of being proud even in speaking of one's sins!"

The following letter is in allusion to this:

" — I cannot tell you how lonely I always feel when, after having enjoyed your society (even if only for a few hours) I have once more returned to the routine of a soldier's life. But do not suppose because I say this, or from anything I have lately said, that I am beginning to 'show the white feather,' and that, finding a soldier's cross too irksome, I would change it for one less weighty. Never! The Lord God has called me to eternal life