he reads a short prayer, selected from the
Prayer-book. The Lord's Prayer follows, in which they all join, and the
evening comes to a close.

Trooping from Adams's house, they dispersed to their respective homes.
The lights are extinguished. Only the quiet stars remain to shed a soft
radiance over the pleasant scene; and in a few minutes more the people
of Pitcairn are wrapped in deep, healthy, sound repose.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

REFERS TO THINGS SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL.

It was not until some years had elapsed after the death of Edward Young,
that John Adams became _seriously_ impressed with the great
responsibility of his position.

In the year 1804 a son was born to him, whom he named George, whether
after the King of England or a relative of his own we are not prepared
to state. After the King very likely, for Adams, although a mutineer,
was a loyal subject at heart, and never ceased to condemn and deplore
the act of mutiny into which, after all, he had been surprised rather
than willingly led.

This infant, George, was the last of this first generation, and his
father was extremely proud and fond of him. Having already three
daughters, he seemed to have peculiar satisfaction in the advent of a
son; and having latterly acquired the habit of mingling a dash of
Scriptural language with his usual phraseology, he went about the first
day or two after the child's birth, murmuring, "I've gotten a man-child
from the Lord--a man-child, let's be thankful; an' a regular ship-shape,
trim little craft he is too."

There can be no doubt that the seaman's naturally serious mind became
more profoundly impressed with religion shortly after this event. A
dream which he appears to have had deepened his impressions. Like most
dreams, it was not in itself very definite or noteworthy, but we have no
doubt it was used as a means towards perfecting the good work which had
been already begun. At all events, it is certain that about this time
Adams began to understand the way of life more clearly, and to teach it
more zealously to the little community which was fast growing up around
him. The duties which he had undertaken to fulfil were now no longer
carried on merely because of his promise to Edward Young and a sense of
honour. While these motives did indeed continue to operate with all
their original force, he was now attracted to his labour out of regard
to the commands of God, and a strong desire for the welfare o