A few days after the foregoing observations were written, H.M.S.  ‘Cordelia,’ a war steamer, entered Port Patteson, and Captain Hume himself came across by boat to Mota, to communicate to Bishop Patteson his instructions to offer him a cruise in the vessel, render him any assistance in his power in the Solomon Islands, and return him to any island he might desire.  Letters from the Primate assumed that the proposal should be accepted; it was an opportunity of taking home the Bauro and Grera boys; moreover there was a quarrel between English and natives to be enquired into at Ysabel Island, where the Bishop could be useful as interpreter; and, as he could leave his two friends to carry on the school at Mota, he went on board, and very good it was for him, in the depressed state of health brought on by rude bed and board, to be the guest on board a Queen’s ship and under good medical care.

For the ‘Cordelia’ had brought out the letters which gave the first intimation of his father’s state; and without the privacy, and freedom from toil and responsibility, he could hardly have borne up under the blow.  The first day was bad enough:  ’a long busy day on shore with just one letter read, and the dull heavy sensation of an agony that was to come, as soon as I could be alone to think.’  Arrangements had to be made; and there was not one solitary moment till 9 P.M. in the cabin when this loving and beloved son could shut himself in, kneel down, and recover composure to open the two letters in his father’s hand.

He wrote it all—­his whole heart—­as of old to the father who had ever shared his inmost thoughts:—­

’It may be that as I write, your blessed spirit, at rest in Paradise, may know me more truly than ever you did on earth; and yet the sorrow of knowing how bitter it is within may never be permitted to ruffle your everlasting peace.

’I may never see you on earth.  All thought of such a joy is gone.  I did really cling to it (I see it now) when most I thought I was quite content to wait for the hope of the great meeting.  I will try to remember and to do what you say about all business matters.

’I will pray God to make me more desirous and more able to follow the holy example you leave behind.  Oh that the peace of God may be given to me also when I come to die; though how may I dare to hope for such an end, so full of faith and love and the patient waiting for Christ!

’I must go on with my work.  This very morning I was anxious, passing shoal water with the captain and master beside me, and appealing to me as pilot.  I must try to be of some use in the ship.  I must try to turn to good account among the islands this great opportunity.  Probably elasticity of mind will come again now for very pain of body.  Oh! how much more sorrow and heavy weight on my heart!  I am quite worn out and weary.  It seems as if the light were taken from me, as if it was no longer possible to work away so cheerily when I no longer have you to write to about it all, no longer your approval to seek, your notice to obtain.