end either from the brig or the cliffs, as the pirates
could not possibly fire without risking the killing of friends as well
as foes. Now, although Tompion fancied that all their exertions would
be thrown away, he was not aware, as the reader possibly is, that they
were of the very greatest service to their friends on shore. It was
their gallant pursuit of the mistico which had so completely engaged the
attention of the pirates that they entirely forgot their prisoners, and
allowed them to make the arrangements I have described. Had it not been
for them, their captain would very soon have been discovered by Zappa,
and his life would probably have been sacrificed, Raby would not have
had time to reach Nina's tower, nor would Nina have found Paolo, and
sent him to assist the sufferers. Thus it is, by persevering in doing
what is right, and brave, and honest, in all the affairs in life, good
will ultimately arise from our acts, even though we ourselves may not
immediately discover it, and though; perhaps, we may to the end of our
lives remain in ignorance of the effect we have produced. There is a
time when all things must be known, and then we shall reap our reward.
Let this be a consolation to us in all our troubles and disappointments
when we have been strenuously endeavouring to do some important good,
and find all our plans and projects defeated by the selfishness, the
ignorance, the obstinacy of others, perhaps of the persons we would
benefit, till at last we are inclined to exclaim: "What is the use of
attempting to do good in this world? Do all I can, I cannot succeed."
We do succeed--we can succeed; often, very often, when the result is not
seen. We may, it is true, strive very much, and yet do very little
good; but is not that little good something? is it not pure gold--
treasure which will endure? So also (I am moralising while the British
boats are still in pursuit of the mistico) man cannot see the ultimate
result of the evil he may commit--there the order is reversed. A little
evil in appearance may cause a vast amount of crime, wretchedness, and
suffering. Even a word idly spoken may give rise to thoughts which may
grow up and flourish, till they become like a upas tree to destroy all
within their influence. To commit a small evil may be like the
withdrawing the keystone from the arch, to cause the ruin of the whole
edifice; or it may be like an ear of corn, which may soon serve to sow
the whole fi