In a short time Motakee came off. When we told Captain Renton who he was, he was invited on deck. He seemed greatly concerned at the thought of losing me, and asked me reproachfully how, after being treated as a son, I could think of deserting him. I assured him that I was very grateful for all his kindness, but that I wished to go back to live among people of my own colour and habits, and that otherwise I would gladly have remained with him. He soon made himself at home on board, and when invited into the cabin behaved with great propriety, and told me to express to the captain his regret for the massacre of the Dolphin’s crew.
He put off his expedition on account of the arrival of the Phoebe, and while she remained in harbour he was constantly on board, and used every exertion to obtain what the captain wanted.
I at last parted from him with real regret, though Dick would not let me venture on shore, lest he might show his affection for me by keeping me a prisoner.
Captain Renton was a very different sort of person to poor Captain Podgers. We had prayers every evening in his cabin, and he would allow none of the officers to use abusive language towards the men, while he maintained strict discipline on board.
He proposed cruising for some time for whales in those latitudes, and then sailing south, to touch at one of the Society Islands.
The day after we sailed, the captain called me into his cabin.
“I have heard your history, my lad, from your friend, Dick Driver, and I find that you have had no advantages of education, while I am afraid that you are very ignorant of gospel truth, without which all education is of no avail in God’s sight.”
“As I have not seen a book since I was on board the Dolphin, I suspect that I should prove a bad hand at reading, sir,” I answered: “but I have not forgotten what Miss Kitty told me about the love of Jesus to sinful man; how He willingly offered Himself up to be punished instead of us, that all who believe on Him may be free, and be able to go to God as children go to an affectionate father, and ask Him for all they want; and that when we die we may be sure that we shall be taken to live with Him in great joy and happiness for ever and ever.”
“Ah, my dear boy,” exclaimed the captain, his eye brightening with pleasure, “you already know then the most important truths I can tell you. And do you indeed believe that Jesus died for you, and is your Saviour, and loves you, and watches over you, and sends His Holy Spirit to help you to love Him, and serve Him, and to keep you out of temptation?”
“Yes, indeed I do, sir,” I answered. “I pray to God through Him every night and morning, and I believe that He has preserved me from the many dangers I have gone through.”