“Young man,” interrupted the clergyman, looking keenly at him, “are you a ’Mormon’?”

“Yes, sir; I have that honor.”

Lucy gave a cry, whether of alarm or gladness, the young man could not then tell.  The minister arose slowly.  “Lucy,” he said, “let us walk a little more,” and without another word the two resumed their promenade.

But in Lucy’s face there appeared concern.  The tears, glittering in her eyes did not altogether hide the reassuring glance which she turned about to give Chester as he sat alone by the vacated chairs.

CHAPTER IV.

The next day was Sunday.  Even on ship-board there are some indications that the seventh day is different from the rest.  There is always a little extra to the menu for dinner, and then religious services are also held; and are not these two things frequently all that distinguish the Sabbath on the land?

That morning neither Lucy nor her father was at breakfast.  Immediately after, Chester sought out the chief steward, and by insistency and the help of a small tip, he got his seat changed to the table occupied by Elder Malby and the two other missionaries.  “No one shall be annoyed by my near presence, if I can help it,” Chester said.

At the noon meal, the minister and his daughter appeared as usual.  Chester watched them unobserved from his changed position.  They looked at the vacant place opposite, but as far as Chester could determine, his absence was not discussed.

That afternoon services were held in three parts of the vessel at the same time.  On the steerage deck a large company of Irish Catholics surrounded the two Fathers.  One of the priests stood in the center of the group while the people kneeled on the deck.  The priest read something in Latin, the others repeating after him.  Then a glass of “holy water” was passed among them, the worshipers dipping their fingers in and devoutly crossing themselves.  Chester watched the proceedings for a time, then he went to the second class deck where a revival meeting was in progress.  The preacher was delivering the usual exhortation to “come to Jesus,” while yet there was time.  Presently, there came from the depths of the ship the sound of the dinner gong being slowly and solemnly beaten, no doubt to imitate, as nearly as possible, the peal of church bells.  The steward who acted as bell ringer did his duty well, going into the halls and on to the decks, then disappearing again into the saloon.  This was the official announcement to service.  Chester and his friends followed.  Quite a congregation had gathered.  Two large pillows had been covered with a Union Jack to serve as a pulpit.  A ship’s officer then read the form prescribed for services on ship-board from the Church of England prayer book.  It was all very dry and uninteresting, “Verily a form of godliness” and a lot of “vain repetition,” said Elder Malby.