rrying his brother commander. Although the wind blew
heavily, the ship was reached in safety, and she was once more put on
her course.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

PETER RISES IN THE WORLD.

Captain Hauslar expressed his astonishment at the good order which
prevailed on board the _Myrtle_.

"I have several old hands who have sailed with me for years," observed
her captain; "but many of the rest were rough enough when they joined.
However, by firmness and gentleness, and treating them as fellow-beings
with immortal souls, they now cheerfully do their duty, and many have
been brought to know Christ and serve Him."

Every morning and evening, when the weather permitted it, prayers were
read; the men were allowed certain hours in the week for mending their
clothes, and no work was permitted on Sundays except what was absolutely
necessary; Captain Barrow, however, took care it should not be spent in
idleness. Those who could not read were taught, and books were provided
for those who could make use of them.

"Every ship that sails on the ocean might be like mine," observed
Captain Barrow.

"Yes," was Captain Hauslar's answer, "if every master was a Christian.
Missionaries may benefit the men partially, but until the masters and
officers set them a good example I fear that they will remain much as
they are."

Captain Barrow spoke frequently to Peter and old Hixon, and when the
ship reached Sydney he invited them to remain on board and return with
him. Both Bill and Emery also gladly entered among her crew, while
Captain Hauslar took a passage back in her to England.

After this Peter made several voyages in the _Myrtle_; Captain Barrow
gave him instruction in navigation, for which he showed so much
aptitude, that after one or two voyages he was appointed third-mate, and
on the next he was raised a step higher.

He had not got over his idea that his father was still alive, but where
to seek for him was the question. He earnestly prayed that he might be
led to find his father if he were yet alive, and he told Captain Barrow
what he was so anxious about.

"There are few coasts from which a man cannot escape, except perhaps
from some of the rocks in the Indian seas, or from the islands in the
Pacific, which are rarely visited," observed Captain Barrow. "I would
help you if I could, though I should be sorry to part from you. I would
advise you, if you still hold to your idea, to get a berth on board a
ship making a ro