Part 7 (1/2)

We had been many days on board, and Maud and I were able to enjoy the fresh air on deck, where Captain Hudson warmly congratulated us, in his fatherly manner, on our recovery; arranging cus.h.i.+ons on which we could recline--for we were still too weak to sit up--and kindly doing all he could for us. How glad we were again to see Abela and her companions, and to comfort them in their sorrow, for they believed that they should never again see their native land.

Young Tofa, however, was perfectly content. ”I shall learn more about the religion of Jehovah, and that will be my support wherever I am,” he observed.

Mr Norton came up and spoke to us so gently, and yet with unmistakable earnestness in his mariner. ”Oh Miss Liddiard,” he said, ”I am now more than ever sure that our merciful Father in heaven hears the prayers of the greatest of sinners who have returned to Him. I have never ceased beseeching Him that you might be restored to health, and that while you may enjoy happiness yourself, you may prove a blessing to many of our fellow-creatures.”

”I do indeed hope that I may be of use to some,” I answered. ”I desire no greater happiness than to be employed in G.o.d's service.”

”Such will, I believe, be the occupation of the blessed throughout eternity, although He has not revealed to His creatures the way in which they are to be employed. That surpa.s.ses human comprehension,” he observed.

A few days after this we came in sight of a high and picturesque island, even more beautiful than the one we had left.

”My dear young lady,” said Captain Hudson, ”I should be very sorry to part with you, and would gladly have carried you with me to old England, but the poor natives are, I am sure, anxious to be put on sh.o.r.e, and as an English missionary resides on yonder island, and all the inhabitants are Christians, I thought it best to go there to land those who desire to land. Will you and your sister remain with us? The s.h.i.+p's time in these seas will soon be up, and when we get to England our house shall be your home. We have no children of our own, and my wife and I will do our best to act the part of the parents you have lost.”

My heart swelled with grat.i.tude to the kind captain and his wife. I could scarcely speak. I had often thought of England, and how delightful it would be to see it, but I had resolved to devote myself, as my dear father and mother had done, in endeavouring to make known the gospel among the heathen islanders. I knew their language and customs, and felt that I was suited for the task. I was sure also that Maud would not consent to leave me; still, I did not wish to bias her should she desire to accept Captain and Mrs Hudson's offer. My eyes filled with tears as I took the captain's hand, and expressed my grat.i.tude for his generous proposal. I told him the object on which my heart was set, and had it not been for that, how thankful I should have been to accept his offer. I then explained that Maud was not my sister, and gave him her history, adding, that she would indeed be fortunate to have such kind protectors as I was sure he and Mrs Hudson would prove.

”I will ask her,” said the captain. ”But I should like to have had you both.”

I waited anxiously to hear what Maud would say, earnestly praying meantime that she would be directed aright. I had closed my eyes, when I felt Maud's arms round me. ”I cannot, no I cannot leave you, dear Mary, where you go I will go,” she whispered. ”If you had said yes to the good captain I would gladly have accompanied you. If you remain out here I will remain also.”

As we neared the harbour a canoe, manned by natives in white jackets and trousers and straw hats, came off. One of them, in good English, announced himself as a pilot, and under his charge the ”True Love” was safely conducted into a secure and beautiful harbour, where her anchor was dropped. Neat white-washed houses lined the sh.o.r.e; beyond them rose several buildings of good size, the largest of which was a stone church with tower and belfry. Plantations extended on every side as far as the eye could reach. Everything wore an aspect of peace and contentment.

How different from that of the heathen island we had left! Yet a short time before the numerous dark skinned natives, well clothed and in their right minds, were naked heathen savages, such as those among whom we had dwelt, and often despaired would ever be brought to know the truths of the gospel.

The boat was lowered, and Maud and I, with Mr Norton, Abela, and Tofa, were seated in her, accompanied by Captain and Mrs Hudson, on our way to the house of Mr Arnold, the missionary of which they had before spoken, and to whom, they had told us, they were well-known. On landing we proceeded along a well made clean road, at the further end of which, some way from the sh.o.r.e, stood Mr Arnold's house. How neat and beautiful it looked, with its garden full of flowering shrubs, and a broad verandah in front!

Mr Arnold came out to meet us, followed by his wife. A few words from Captain Hudson served to explain who we were.

”Indeed you are welcome, most welcome,” he exclaimed, taking our hands.

”We have enough and to spare, and there is work for all of you if, as I trust, you are willing to labour in the Lord's vineyard.”

We were soon seated around the missionary's hospitable board, for Captain Hudson's s.h.i.+p was well-known, and Mrs Arnold had been preparing for the guests she was sure would come before they left the Pacific.

She was an interesting looking lady, but there was an expression of sadness in her countenance, which at once struck me. Our host and hostess had, of course, many questions to ask, and we gave them an account of the dreadful events which had occurred to us. Captain Hudson told them of his wish to carry us on with him to England.

”We only desire to have willing labourers,” observed Mr Arnold, ”and they having counted the cost must decide for themselves. They have some experience what it is; and you, Mr Norton, do you intend to return home?” he asked.