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IN THE FOURTH WATCH
Holding despair at bay, David quickly made his preparations for an extended absence. He hired his boat and lines to Groat’s sons, and on the morning of the second day, after bidding Nanna farewell, he went to Minister Campbell’s to complete his arrangements. The minister was writing his sermon, and he was not pleased at the interruption; but when he saw David’s face, the shadow of annoyance on his own passed away like a thought. He dropped his pen, and turned in his chair so as to see the young man fairly, and then he asked:
“What is wrong, David?”
“I am all at sea, minister, drifting–drifting–”
“Where’s your anchor, David? Can’t you steady yourself on God? Can’t you make harbor someway?”
David shook his head sadly.
“Then up sail and out to sea, and face the storm. What quarter is it from?”
“It comes from a woman.”
“Ah, David, that is bad to buffet. I have been through it. It was that storm which brought me here. I know all about it.”