None of the rest of the crew had returned. Peter offered to stay by the captain if the three other men would go in search of them, and ascertain whether any water was to be found.
“If we are to live we must do so,” said Hixon; “come along, mates; I know Peter will look after the captain,” and they set off.
After Peter had moistened the captain’s lips, and made his bed as comfortable as he could, he said, “Shall I read to you, sir?”
“What have you got to read? How can you have any books here?” asked the captain.
Peter drew his Bible out of the canvas slung round his neck, and showed it to the captain. The cover, of course, was drenched with sea-water, but the inside was quite dry.
“Yes, you may,” was the answer; “when a man is sick as I am it is a good book to listen to, and I am fit for nothing else.”
Peter made no reply, but began to read. He came to the account of Lazarus and the rich man.
“What does Abraham’s bosom mean?” asked the captain.
“Heaven, sir,” answered Peter; “it must be a glorious place, for Christ has gone before to prepare it for those who love Him.”
“I hope when I die I shall go there,” murmured the captain, more to himself than Peter; “I have not been a bad man, or done much harm to any one, and have tried to do my duty, and have never got drunk at sea; and I hope I have done some good in my time, so I should think God would let me into heaven.”