much as possible, and his round eyes
expressing a look of inhuman solemnity, in consequence of his attempt to
affect a virtue which he did not possess, performed the duties of
door-keeper. 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 centre 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 as
wool."

Frederick Mason possessed the power of chaining the attention of an
audience, and a deep breathless silence prevailed, as he laboured, with
intense fervour, 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
immediat