The little party did not go empty-handed: Edward carried a present for the old man, of a well filled tobacco-box, on the lid of which was represented a ship in a storm, with the motto, “Such is Life.” Lewis chose a book for the eldest boy, who had learned to read pretty well at the National School; and Mrs. Ashton did not doubt, but the frock which she had made for little Charley, would give pleasure to the fond mother as well as to the child.
The old seaman was sitting at the low door, when his friends approached, busily engaged in cutting a small vessel from a block of wood, while his little grandsons intently watched the progress of the work.
He rose on perceiving his visitors, uttering an exclamation of surprise and pleasure; and then asked, if they would be pleased to walk in, saying, that though his berth was a poor one, it was snug and clean; and he was sure Mary would do her best to make them welcome.
Mary now came forward, and seconded her father’s invitation, which was readily accepted.
Edward and Lewis were for making friends at once with the children; but the elder boy stood looking shyly at the strangers, while the little one ran to his mother, and hid his rosy face in her apron.
The sight of the book, however, soon caused them to become sociable: little Tom could hardly believe it was for him; and when once he had obtained possession of it, he held it up above his head, lest his brother, who stood with extended hands, should seize and tear it.
“Look here!” said Edward, as he saw that the little fellow was half inclined to cry, at being thus disappointed, “here is a pretty picture for you;” and he showed the box to the child, and bade him ask grandfather to let him fill his pipe with some of the tobacco. “Tell him it is all for him, and Charley shall give him some when he wants it.”
“Well, now, how very kind this is; you are too good to us,” said the old man, as he lifted the little one on his knee, and expressed his thanks in the best manner he was able, to the delighted donor.
The picture was admired and examined again and again, but the sight of it seemed to revive some painful recollections. The seaman remarked, that the motto was a very true one; and said that life had been a stormy sea to him, though he had met with many a friendly sail on the voyage.
Mrs. Ashton here expressed a hope, that he might never be left without a pilot, to whose safe guidance he could trust; and reminded him, that all our affairs are in the hands of Him, whose voice the winds and waves obey.