OCR Text |
Show 98 NARRATIVE OF treasures which arc laid up for us in heaven; and to 'l'hy gracious name, Father, Son, and lloly Spirit, be the prn.ise forever. Amen." The tone of the chaplain's voice, the fervid manner and the striking pathos of this short prayer, had a strong effect upon Captain Templeton and l1is wife. They both rose from their knees WJth tears in their eyes. The Captain grasped the hand of hlr. Gracclius, and earnestly said: " I feel strengthened, my brother; and I can now say, If the Lord be for us, who can be against us !" llc then passed out and resumed his position on the deck. "Miss St. Clair," said Mrs. Templeton, "do yon think that can be wickednes.s which the Lord sancti· ties with his communion?" Before hlary could reply, the loud report of a cannon gave notice that the action had com· menced. The struggle was a short one, the French vessel was captured, with the l os.; of her commander, who fell at the first fire. It took but a short time to have all on the merchantman in fetters, and the vessel manned by the pirates. ALBERT AND MARY. 99 It was not until the morning after the capture that matters became composed on the pirates' vessel, and everything in usual order. At breakfast Mary took the liberty to ask the Cap· tain what he designed to do with his prisoners. " I always endeavor," he replied," to remember the obligations of humanity and Christianity. Some· times, for our own safety, we are compelled to put our captives to death, but I do so always with great re· luetancc, and never without prayer to God that their souls might be saved. In this case I think we shall not be under th is painful necessity." "Captain," said .Albert, "it is perfectly unnccount~ able to me how a man of your naturally humane and benevolent disposition can engage in this business of robbery and murder." "\Yell, Mr. Gillon," replied the Captain, "I make every allowance for one who bas been educated as you have been, and taught that pirates were only wOl"thy of the gallows; although I cannot but feel that your language is not such as your refined and polisl1ed manners would warrant me to expect and require. Our business is not robbery and murder. The laws under which we live, both social and politi· |