Christina's eyes were full of tears as she gazed at the face of the suffering child beside her, and Tom was looking at her intently with eyes also blinded with tears.
"I never thought it could be because He loved me," he said, squeezing her hand tightly; "but I will try, I will try; perhaps He will stand by me too."
"He does, dear, this very day; He longs to have you rest in His loving arms. Oh, Tom, I know it! And it is such rest to feel He does best."
Tom lay quite silent, and Christina sat by him silent too. She was praying earnestly that this little sorrowful lamb might be gathered into the Shepherd's tender arms.
By-and-by, he moved slightly, and whispered, "Was the Life-boat meant for helpless children as well as strong ones?"
"Yes, indeed, dear; if they were on the wreck, they wanted saving as much as the others."
"Then I have asked the Life-boat to come very near for me, because I can't step alone; and Jesus has come close and lifted me in."
"Then you are Safe in the arms of Jesus,'" said Christina. "Oh, Tom dear, I am so very, very glad!"
* * * * * *
"Mamma," said Tom, as his mother rose from her knees, after saying his prayers with him that night, "mamma dear, I want you to forgive me for being so often cross and tiresome."