24, THE WORLD OF ICH.

scarcely add that, in a very short time, all were cap-
tured.

When the man-of-war rejoined the West Indiaman,
the night had set in and a stiff breeze had arisen, so
that the long and laborious search that was made for
the body of poor Mrs. Ellice proved utterly fruitless.
Captain Ellice, whose wound was very severe, was
struck down as if by a thunderbolt, and for a long
time his life was despaired of. During his illness
Fred nursed him with the utmost tenderness, and in
seeking to comfort his father, found some relief to
his own stricken heart.

Months passed away. Captain Ellice was conveyed
to the residence of his sister in Grayton, and, under
her care, and the nursing of his little niece Isobel, he
recovered his wonted health and strength. To the
eyes of men Captain Ellice and his son were themselves
again ; but those who judge of men’s hearts by their
outward appearance and expressions, in nine cases out
of ten judge very wide of the mark indeed. Both had
undergone a great change. The brilliancy and glitter
of this world had been completely and rudely dispelled,
and both had been led to inquire whether there was
not something better to live for than mere present
advantage and happiness—something that would stand
by them in those hours of sickness and sorrow which
must inevitably, sooner or later, come upon all men.
Both sought, and discovered what they sought, in the
Bible, the only book in all the world where the jewel
of great price is to be found,