off, he drew forth his beloved Bible and read. How full of
comfort and assurance it was to him who read with an eye of faith!
There was no one to disturb him now. Alas! where were those who had
been wont to interrupt him? What would they now have given to have
trusted to that book, and obeyed its precepts? Peter did not, however,
allow such a thought to enter his mind. He only hoped that they had
escaped, and were making their way to the land; not a particle of bad
feeling was in his heart against those who had so ill-treated him.

He read and read on till, feeling a drowsiness come over him, he
restored the book to its case, and then once more climbed up the mast to
look round in the hopes of seeing some vessel or boat approaching.

The sun had completely dried his clothes, and warmed him. A soft air
blew off the land. He knew well that vessels would generally give the
sands a wide berth. "Still, if God thinks fit to send me help He will
direct some craft this way," he said to himself. "Perhaps some
fishing-boats will be passing, or Captain Hawkes may send out to learn
what has become of the brig."

As he looked northward, he saw afar off a large ship under all sail
standing to the south. Whether or not she was inside or outside the
shoals he could not tell. She came on but slowly, for the wind was
light. He judged, however, that she would not pass at any great
distance from where he was. How beautiful she looked, with her spread
of white canvas shining in the sun. Nearer and nearer she came. He was
convinced at last that she was outside the shoals.

"Those on board will scarcely notice the thin masts of the brig above
the water," he thought; "still God will turn their eyes this way if He
thinks fit."

Let no one suppose, that little Peter placed a presumptuous confidence
in God's protecting care of a young boy like himself. He had read that
not a sparrow falls to the ground but He knows it; that the hairs of our
heads are all numbered, and he well knew that he should be offending his
kind Father if he doubted His words. What strength and fearlessness did
this simple faith give him.

The proud ship glided on, her canvas swelling to the breeze; it seemed
that she would quickly run past him. He could almost distinguish the
people on her deck. He shouted, fancying that his feeble voice would be
borne over the water towards her. Presently he saw the hitherto full
canvas flap against the masts; her