"The captain had signalled that they were short of water; but as the steamer came nearer, what was the dismay of the despairing crew to find that she was not intending to stop, or put down a boat!
"The captain of the distressed ship took a trumpet and shouted, 'Water! Water! We are dying. For mercy's sake give us some water!'
"And the captain of the steamer answered back through his trumpet the mocking reply, 'Dip down your buckets and drink!'
"On sped the steamer on her way, with her flag gaily flying, while the dying, thirsting people bemoaned themselves in bitter wailing.
"Yet thoughts of the captain of the steamer having taken the trouble to come miles out of his way to tell them what he did, came over them. No one would have taken so much trouble were he ever so cruel, they thought.
"'Let us try his advice,' said one.
"When they drew up the bucket of sparkling water, it was found to be fresh, and clear, and life-giving!
"Then the captain knew that they were sailing calmly in the mouth of the great river Amazon, and that while they had been almost dying for want of fresh water, it had surrounded them all the time!"
* * * * * *
"And I have been thinking, children, that this is just like Jesus.