id the mate,
looking at him steadfastly. "Sincere repentance and firm trust in the
merits of One who died for us will gain us that boon, I am certain. I
am not learned in divinity, but this much I know and feel; and I believe
that it is the sum and substance of what a Christian should know and
feel."

I had never heard Mr Gale speak in that way before. I did not know
even that he was what is called a religious man. I certainly never
heard him swear or abuse any of the men, or accuse them wrongfully, as
too many officers do; but I just thought him a quiet, brave, amiable
young man, who was content to do his duty and let other people follow
their own ways. I afterwards had reason to know that he was even more
than that. He was eminently judicious, and he now felt that the time
had arrived when he might speak a word in season to good effect. The
captain listened, and after some time I saw him put out his hand and
grasp that of Mr Gale; but he said nothing in reply. Meantime the brig
was drawing near to us.

"Have a boat ready to board her," cried the captain, after he had again
examined her through his glasses. "It is strange, indeed; I can see no
one on her deck."

The _Rainbow_ was now hove-to, and a boat was lowered. I went in her;
so did Peter. Mr Gale had charge of her. We all were, by the
captain's orders, strongly armed, and he directed the mate to approach
cautiously, so as not to be taken by surprise. I never met a braver man
than the captain, or one who, at the same time, was more cautious and
careful of the lives of his people. During my apprenticeship with him,
on several occasions, had it not been for this constant caution and care
not to be taken by surprise, both he and all his people would have been
destroyed.

While the boat pulled towards the stranger, the brig, with her guns run
out, and the people at their quarters ready to fire, stood so as to
cross her bows, and to punish her should any treachery be intended. We
had to be careful in going alongside, lest she should run us down; for
as her head now went in one direction, now in another, it was difficult
to determine on which side she would come. She was a fine large brig,
fully as large as the _Rainbow_, and it did look strange to see her
sailing along over the wide Atlantic without apparently a human being to
guide her course. Still, from what I had heard the captain say, I could
not help fancying that there was some trick, and f