"Oh, that does not hinder! A good Methodist can pray wherever there is honest prayer going on. John was with me, and I knew by John's face he was praying. I was but a lad, but I said 'Our Father,' for I knew that Christ's words could not be wrong wherever they were said."
"
Well, sir, I hope you will recover your health soon and be able to return to your business."
"My health, Captain, is firstrate! I have not come to sea for my health. Surely to goodness, John did not tell you that story?"
"No, he did not, and I saw that you were well enough as soon as you came on board."
"Well, Captain, I am here to try how a life of pleasure and idleness will suit me. I hate the mill, I hate its labor and all about it, and John thought a few months of nothing to do would make me go cheerfully back to work."
"Do you think it will?"
"I say no—downright."
"And what then, sir?"
"I really cannot say what I may do. I have a bit of money from my father, and I know lots of good fellows who seem happy enough without business or work of any kind. They just amuse themselves or have some fad of pleasure-making like fast horses."