to be brave and faithful and true," was the
silent petition that went up from the boy's heart.
"Homesick, bub?" asked a boyish voice, in mocking tones. "I believe
most of the fellows are just at the first, but they get over it after a bit
without much doctoring."
"I'm inclined to think it is not a dangerous kind of ailment," returned
Max, in a pleasant tone, lifting his head and turning toward his
companion with a smile that seemed rather forced. "However, I was
thinking not of home, exactly, but the homefolks who are just at present
aboard my father's yacht and steaming down the bay."
It was only by a great effort he repressed a sigh with the concluding
words.
"That's a handsome yacht and about the largest I ever saw," was the
next remark of his room-mate, a lad--Benjamin Hunt by name--of about
the same age as himself, not particularly handsome but with a good,
honest face.
"Yes, and a splendid sailor," returned Max, with enthusiasm. "Papa
bought her this summer and we've had a jolly good time sailing or
steaming (sometimes one and again the other, the Dolphin has both
sails and engines) along the coast and a short distance out to sea."
"Had a good, safe captain?" Hunt asked, with a quizzical smile.
"My father, a retired naval officer; there could be none better," returned
Max, straightening himself slightly, while the color deepened on his
cheek.
"Yes; I don't wonder you are proud of him," laughed Hunt. "I happened
to see him when he brought you here, and I must say I thought he had a
fine military bearing and was--well, I think I might say one of the
handsomest men I ever saw."
"Thank you," said Max heartily, glancing up at Hunt with a gratified
smile. "I suppose being so fond of him I may not be a competent judge,
but to me my father seems the best, the noblest, and the handsomest
man that ever lived."
"Didn't force you to come here against your will, eh?" queried Hunt
jestingly.
"No, indeed! he only let me come because I wanted to. I think he would
have been glad if I had chosen the ministry, but you see I don't think I
have any talent in that line, and I inherit a love for the sea, and papa
says a man can do best in the profession or business that is most to his
taste, so that perhaps I may be more useful as a naval officer than I
could be in the ministry."
"Especially in case of war, and if you turn out a good and capable
commander," returned Hunt, tossing up a ball and catching it as it fell.
"I sometimes think I'd like nothing better; a fellow would have a
chance to distinguish himself, such as he could never hope for in time
of peace."
"Yes; and if such a thing should happen I hope it will be when I'm
ready to take part in the defence of my country," said Max, his cheek
flushing and his eyes kindling, "but war is an awful thing considering
all the killing and maiming, to say nothing of the destruction of
property; and I hope our country will never be engaged in another. But
excuse me," he added, opening his Bible, "I see we have scarcely
fifteen minutes now before taps will sound."
At that Hunt moved away to his own side of the room, from whence he
watched Max furtively, a mocking smile on his lips.
Max was uncomfortably conscious of it, but tried to ignore it and give
his thoughts to what he was reading. Presently, closing his book he
knelt and silently offered up his evening prayer, asking forgiveness of
all his sins, strength to resist temptation, and never be afraid or
ashamed to own himself a follower of Jesus, his loving disciple, his
servant, whose greatest desire was to know and do the Master's will;
and very earnestly he prayed that no evil might befall his dearly loved
and honored father, his sisters or brother, Mamma Vi, or any of those
he loved; that they might be taken safely through all their journeying,
and he permitted to see them all again when the right time should come;
and having committed both them and himself to the watchful care of
his Heavenly Father, he rose from his knees and began his preparations
for bed.
"Well, sonny, I hope you will sleep soundly and well after saying your
prayers like the goodest of little boys," sneered Hunt.
"I shall sleep none the worse," returned Max pleasantly.
"I'll bet not a bit better than I shall without going through any such
baby-like performance."
"God is very good and often takes care of those who don't ask him
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