e vacant place opposite, but as far as Chester could determine, his
absence was not discussed.

That afternoon services were held in three parts of the vessel at the
same time. On the steerage deck a large company of Irish Catholics
surrounded the two Fathers. One of the priests stood in the center of
the group while the people kneeled on the deck. The priest read
something in Latin, the others repeating after him. Then a glass of
"holy water" was passed among them, the worshipers dipping their
fingers in and devoutly crossing themselves. Chester watched the
proceedings for a time, then he went to the second class deck where a
revival meeting was in progress. The preacher was delivering the usual
exhortation to "come to Jesus," while yet there was time. Presently,
there came from the depths of the ship the sound of the dinner gong
being slowly and solemnly beaten, no doubt to imitate, as nearly as
possible, the peal of church bells. The steward who acted as bell ringer
did his duty well, going into the halls and on to the decks, then
disappearing again into the saloon. This was the official announcement
to service. Chester and his friends followed. Quite a congregation had
gathered. Two large pillows had been covered with a Union Jack to serve
as a pulpit. A ship's officer then read the form prescribed for services
on ship-board from the Church of England prayer book. It was all very
dry and uninteresting, "Verily a form of godliness" and a lot of "vain
repetition," said Elder Malby.

Then the minister--Chester's minister--arose. He had been asked, he
said, to add a few words to the regular service, and he was pleased to
do so. He called attention to the accident which had happened on their
voyage, and felt to say something on the providence of God, and His
watch-care over His children. The preacher's voice was pleasant, the
ministerial tone not being so pronounced as to make his speech
unnatural. Chester listened attentively, as also did Lucy who, Chester
observed, was sitting well up towards the front.

"God is the source of the being of all men," said the preacher. "He has
brought us all into existence, and made us in His own likeness, and is a
Father to us in fact and in feeling. He owns us and owns His
responsibility for us. He cares for us and overrules all things for our
good. He is worthy of our love and confidence. Since we are His
children, God desires us to be such in very deed--in fellowship and
character