One morning, when the lofty Andes had just appeared in sight, he summoned his first-mate to his bedside.
“Gray,” he said, “I feel that I shall not live out the day. I should first wish to see all the crew, and then I would have a word with you.”
The men came, one after the other, and the captain spoke affectionately and earnestly to each, urging them to seek the Saviour while He might be found, and recommending them to listen to the first-mate, who would explain the truth to them.
“Gray,” he said, when they had left him, “I must ask you to visit my wife and daughter when you get home, and bear my last message of love to them. Take this letter and deliver it, if you can, with your own hands. Send them the property I leave on board; I know that I can trust you; with things of this world I have nothing more to do. And now read some of God’s word and pray with me.”
Peter remained with the captain till the last, and with sincere sorrow closed his eyes.
Next day the ship entered the harbour of Valparaiso, where the captain was attended to his grave by most of his own crew and those of several other English merchantmen in harbour.
Peter had much felt the want of Christian sympathy in his sorrow. Among those who had attended the funeral of his late captain, he observed a tall fine-looking man with grey hair. A second glance convinced him that he was his old captain, Mr Hauslar.
“What, Gray?” exclaimed the latter, when Peter spoke to him. “I remember you now. Come on board with me; my ship lies close to yours.”
Peter had the satisfaction of finding that his former friend continued a faithful believer. Delightful to both was the conversation they had together.
The next day Captain Hauslar accompanied Peter to the agents, and from his recommendation they directed him to take command of the Edgar. A young Christian man, whose ship had been lost, but the crew rescued by Captain Hauslar, was appointed to serve as second-mate, and came accompanied by four South Sea Islanders, who were considered good seamen.