One morning about six o’clock we were awakened from a sound sleep by a peculiar grating noise. The steamer had struck a reef of rocks, and I shall never forget the sensation. With one bound we were out of our berths, and, with but few words passing between us, dressed hastily. We knew full well that if a hole had been broken in the ship, with such a heavy cargo only a short time could pass before she would sink. Upon examination it was found that the propeller was injured, but not badly. In a few days after we steamed into Throndhjem Bay safely, and our hearts were filled with gratitude to the Lord for his watchful care. We were glad to have an opportunity to see so much of nature, for by it many good sermons were preached to us, and these words filled our mind, “O Lord, how great are thy works; and thy thoughts are very deep.” [Illustration] CHAPTER IV. _The Story of a German Boy.—The Priest.—Catholic Woman.—Corps of Singers.—My Singing Lesson.—Funeral Procession.—Children Playing.—Wooden Shoes.—Neatness of the German Children.—Their Politeness.—Cologne.—Its Cathedral.—Height of Towers.—Odd Costumes.—Art Gallery.—The Picture I Saw._ I am going to tell you something about Germany now, but will first tell you of a boy who lived there many years ago. He had father, mother, brothers and sisters, and as a family they were very poor. The father worked hard in the copper mines, along with many other men in the settlement, and at home the mother worked equally hard looking after the comfort of the family and carrying upon her back the wood which was needed. She was a good, kind, Christian mother, and it is said she frequently “communed with God in prayer.”