"In writing home to his friends, after the excitement of the adventure was
over, the officer spoke of the moment when he rescued that mother and child
from the wreck as the proudest of his life.

"Afterward he took part in the bombardment of Vera Cruz, and had command,
in turn, of the naval battery, where he faithfully and energetically
performed his duty as an officer in the service of his country. He was
among the first of those who entered the captured city; but pain, not
pleasure, filled his mind, as he looked around, and saw death and
destruction on every hand. Victory had perched upon our banners; the arms
of our country had been successful; the officer had bravely contributed his
part in the work; but he frankly owns that he experienced far more delight
in saving the woman he had borne from the wreck, than he could have felt
had he been the commander of the army that reduced the city.

"Wherever duty calls, my lads," concluded the captain, "you will find that
brave officer. He will never shrink from the post of danger, if his country
have need of him; nor will he ever be deaf to the appeal of humanity; but
so long as he is a true man, just so long will he delight more in saving
than in destroying."





THE WORD OF GOD.


Henry, what book is that you have in your hand?"