Hull last Christmas night," he said, "and I shall never forget it."

"But you are a Methodist, sir?"

"Oh, that does not hinder! A good Methodist can pray wherever there is
honest prayer going on. John was with me, and I knew by John's face he
was praying. I was but a lad, but I said 'Our Father,' for I knew that
Christ's words could not be wrong wherever they were said."

"Well, sir, I hope you will recover your health soon and be able to
return to your business."

"My health, Captain, is firstrate! I have not come to sea for my health.
Surely to goodness, John did not tell you that story?"

"No, he did not, and I saw that you were well enough as soon as you came
on board."

"Well, Captain, I am here to try how a life of pleasure and idleness
will suit me. I hate the mill, I hate its labor and all about it, and
John thought a few months of nothing to do would make me go cheerfully
back to work."

"Do you think it will?"

"I say no--downright."

"And what then, sir?"

"I really cannot say what I may do. I have a bit of money from my