'There, on the bosom of the dark waters, lay the huge vessel, wrapped, from hull to topmast, in one vast shroud of glaring fire." Page 31. A SPLENDID RAINBOW. 31 from this visit, a distance of about half a mile, a shower of rain fell, and then immediately I was startled by the appearance of a most magnificent rainbow. The colours were extremely vivid, and it appeared that I must pass directly under the glorious arch. Forgetting the wetting I had received, and everything else, I stood gazing like one entranced upon this sublime phenomenon. I recollected the promise of God to Noahthought of the rainbow as a decided token of His presence and power-felt convinced that the evil things which alarmed me could not do me any positive harm, and resolved to trust in the protection of Him who made the rainbow! CHAPTER II. EARLY YOUTH. "Whatever warms the heart or fills the head, Pope. BOUT half-way between Warston and Churchbank stood the residence of James Baker, Esq., J.P. This gentleman was agent for some Crown lands, and had the power of letting certain portions thereof, at a nominal rent, to parties disposed to build cottages, and reclaim the longneglected soil. Seeing the impossibility of obtaining the means of living at Warston, where, through the recklessness of Norison, everything was rapidly going to ruin; and, especially, so far as we were personally concerned, the failure of the parents to pay for the education of their childrenon which their hearts were set-my father resolved to apply to Mr. Baker for a few acres of the ground referred to. After serious consultation between my parents, this application was decided on, and a day fixed for the journey to Tankerhill Hall. We were in considerable trepidation as to the result. Would Mr. Baker grant a piece of ground, or would he not? seemed to be the absorbing question; although, in the event of his AN EVENTFUL MORNING. 33 doing so, it was plain enough that my excellent father would only encounter fresh difficulties; for how was it possible for him to build a cottage and cultivate a piece of watery heath, where snipes and moor-fowl had reigned supreme for many generations? The latter query, however, did not seem to trouble the good man. He had lived by faith for many years, and saw no reason for departing from this rule of life at present. ""To-morrow,' said he, "will take thought for the things of itself.' I will go and talk to Mr. Baker." ووو The eventful morning arrived. There was neither railway, steam-boat, nor stage; neither sailing packet, waggon nor van; though, had there been either or all, my father would have chosen the venerable mode of conveyance which he adopted, namely, that which it is reasonable to conclude Adam took when he made the circuit of Paradise. Noon, afternoon, and evening arrived, but my father returned not. My mother became increasingly anxious. I was very unhappy. Completely under the dominion of a restless and morbid imagination, I thought and fancied all manner of hideous disasters; yet, strange as it may appear, I tried to console my agitated mother, assuring her that I was certain the cause of the delay, whatever it might be, would turn out for our advantage. Nor-though this mode of consolation was undoubtedly suggested by my tender love to her did I doubt that it would be so. I fancied and feared evil; yet, by a strange and mysterious mental contradiction, of which, doubtless, many who will read this narrative have been conscious, I steadily believed that • all was well with my father, and that his application had been successful. The happy event scattered my fears, and justified the confidence I had expressed. At ten o'clock at night my father arrived, wet, wearied, and faint. A bit of cold fish, a crust of bread, and a cup of cold water refreshed him, and he related the day's experience thus:— D |