snatched from night and sleep to pass in prayer and praise.
But the present time had a duty beside its religious offices. The group now assembled in that lonely dell assembled there for the last time. Never more would that accustomed atmosphere be filled with the voice of their thanksgiving—never more would those wild flowers yield to their knees bent in prayer!—other and mightier forests would echo their sacred song, and a strange herbage be pressed in their hour of adoration. Even now, the vessel rocked upon the waters, and in three days those pilgrims would be on their way to America. The everlasting Shepherd, who had guided his chosen people through the wilderness, his hand would be over them as well, and the broad Atlantic would yield at last another Canaan of peace and rest.
Evelyn saw many whom he knew well, and only waited till the service was completed to speak to them. But the assembly had hardly risen from their last act of silent prayer, when Major Johnstone addressed them. At first his voice was almost inaudible; but soon the spirit mastered the body, and his hollow but distinct tones gained a supernatural strength. His face was colourless,
