pt to
affect a virtue which he did not possess, performed the duties of
doorkeeper. Montague had come on shore to ascertain from Mr. Mason what
likelihood there was of an early attack by the natives.

"Where's Alice?" whispered the boy to Poopy, as the girl entered the
church, and seated herself beside a little midshipman, who looked at her
with a mingled expression of disgust and contempt, and edged away.

"Got a little headache,--hee! hee!"

"Don't laugh in church, you monster," said Corrie, with a frown.

"I'se not larfin," retorted Poopy, with an injured look.

Just then the boy caught sight of a gigantic figure entering the church,
and darted away to usher the stranger into the pastor's seat; but
Gascoyne (for it was he) took no notice of him. He passed steadily up
the center of the church, and sat down beside the Widow Stuart, whose
face expressed anxiety and surprise the moment she observed who was
seated there. The countenance of Henry, who sat on the other side of his
mother, flushed, and he turned with an angry glance towards the captain
of the Foam. But the look was thrown away; for Gascoyne had placed his
arms on the back of the seat in front of him, and rested his head on
them; in which position he continued to remain without motion while the
service was going on.

Mr. Mason began with a short, earnest prayer in English; then he read
out a hymn in the native tongue, which was sung in good tune, and with
great energy, by the whole congregation. This was followed by a chapter
in the New Testament, and another prayer; but all the service, with the
exception of the first prayer, was conducted in the native language. The
text was then read out: "Though thy sins be as scarlet, they shall be
white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be white as
wool."

Frederick Mason possessed the power of chaining the attention of an
audience; and a deep, breathless silence prevailed, as he labored, with
intense fervor, to convince his hearers of the love of God, and the
willingness and ability of Jesus Christ to save even the chief of
sinners. During one part of the service, a deep, low groan startled the
congregation; but no one could tell who had uttered it. As it was not
repeated, it was soon forgotten by most of the people.

While the pastor was thus engaged, a pistol-shot was heard, and
immediately after, a loud, fierce yell burst from the forest, causing
the ears of those who heard it to tingle,