“It struck! we’re lost!” cried a number of voices, while many women and children screamed, and some fainted.

“Courage, my friends!” cried Mr. Dinsmore in loud clear tones, that could be distinctly heard by all, above the storm.  “All is not lost that is in danger; and the ’Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear.’”

“Yes, it is time to pray,” said an excited, answering voice; “the lightning has struck and shivered the mast; and look how it has run along over our heads and down yon mirror; as you may see by the melting of the glass.  It has doubtless continued on to the hold, and set fire to the cotton stored there,” the speaker—­a thin, nervous looking man, who was pushing his way through the throng—­added in a whisper close to Mr. Dinsmore’s ear.

“Be quiet, will you!” said the latter sternly; “these helpless women and children are sufficiently frightened already.”

“Yes, yes and I don’t want to scare ’em unnecessarily; but we’d better be prepared for the worst.”

Elsie had overheard the whispers and her cheek paled, a look of keen distress coming into her face as she glanced from one to another of her loved ones, dearer far than her own life.

But she showed no other sign of agitation; her heart sent up one swift cry to him to whom “all power is given in heaven and in earth,” and faith and love triumphed over fear.  His love to her was infinite nor was there any limit to his power.  She would trust him that all would be well whether in life or death.

“‘Even the wind and the sea obey him,’” she whispered to Violet, who was asking with pale trembling lips, “Mamma, mamma, what will become of us?”

“But mamma they say the vessel is loaded with cotton, and that the lightning has probably set it on fire.”

“Still, my darling, he is able to take care of us; ’it is nothing with him to help whether with many or with them that have no power;’ he is the Lord our God.”

Her father had come to her side.  “Daughter, my dear, dear daughter!” he said with emotion, taking her in his arms as was his wont in her early years.

“O grandpa, take care of mamma, whatever becomes of us!” exclaimed Elsie and Vi together.

“No, no!” she said, “save my children and never mind me.”

“Mamma, you must be our first care!” said Eddie hoarsely.

“Your sisters, my son, and your brothers.  Leave me to the last,” she answered firmly.

“We will hope to save you all,” Mr. Dinsmore said, trying to speak cheerfully; “but, my child, if you perish, I perish with you.”

“Horace, is it true? is it true that the vessel is on fire?” gasped Mrs. Conly, clutching his arm and staring him in the face with eyes wild with terror.

“Try to calm yourself, Louise,” he said kindly.  “We do not know certainly yet, though there is reason to fear it may be so.”