Star awoke much refreshed by her long sleep, and, as her lovely eyes took in all the beauty of the morning, a feeling of thankfulness for it and their safety thrilled her heart, and almost unconsciously she began chanting a hymn of praise.
As she sang the first line, which was exactly like the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer—“Our Father who art in heaven”—every oar was suspended; the captain reverently removed his cap, an act which was imitated by the crew, and all listened with respectful mien as the sweet voice rose upon the still morning air, thanking God for His care through the dangers of the night, and invoking His protection during the day.
“Thank you, Miss Gladstone,” the captain said, as her last tone died away; “it is well for us to begin the day thus. You have a fine voice,” he added; “will you sing something else and then we’ll pull westward with a will for awhile?”
Star thought for a moment; then, with a delicate flush rising in her cheek, an almost holy light glowing in her eyes, and a thrill in her tones which touched every heart, she sang:
“In the harbor safe at home
Zion’s stately ship shall come,
And her crew shall proudly tell
Dangers she has braved so well;
Never more to tempt the wave,
Never more the storm to brave,