to which we desire now
to advance the time, and after the most pleasant and cheerful afternoon
and sunset that any on the island had seen for many months, Roswell and
Stimson ventured to continue their exercise on the terrace, then again
clear of impediments, even after the day had closed. The night promised to
be cold, but the weather was not yet so keen as to drive them to a
shelter. Both fancied there was a feeling of spring in the wind, which was
from the north-east, a quarter that brought the blandest currents of air
into those seas, if any air of that region deserved such a term at all.

"It is high time we had some communications with the Vineyarders," said
Roswell, as they turned at that end of the terrace which was nearest to
the wreck. "A full month has passed since we have seen any of them, or
have heard a syllable of their doings or welfare."

"It's a bad business this separation, Captain Gar'ner," returned the
boat-steerer; "and every hour makes it worse. Think how much good might
have been done them young men had they only been with us while we've been
reading the book of books, night and morning, sir!"

"That good book seems to fill most of your thoughts, Stephen--I wish I
could have your faith."

"It will come in time, sir, if you will only strive for it. I'm sure no
heart could have been harder than mine was, until within the last five
years. I was far worse as a Christian, Captain Gar'ner, than I consider
you to be; for while you have doubts consarning the Divinity of our
Blessed Lord, I had no thought of any one of the Trinity. My only God was
the world; and sich a world, too, as a poor sailor knows. It was being but
little better than the brutes."

"Of all the men with me, you seem to be the most contented and happy. I
cannot say I have seen even a sign of fear about you, when things have
been at the worst."

"It would be very ungrateful, sir, to mistrust a Providence that has done
so much for me."

"I devoutly wish I could believe with you that Jesus was the Son of God!"

"Excuse me, Captain Gar'ner; it's jist because you do not _devoutly_ wish
this, that you do not believe. I think I understand the natur' of your
feelin's, sir. I had some sich once, myself; though it was only in a small
way. I was too ignorant to feel much pride in my own judgment, and soon
gave up every notion that went ag'in Scriptur'. I own it is not accordin'
to natur', as we know natur', to believe in this doctrine; bu