“Listening to the preaching, Doctor,” I replied; “and I think it beats even yours, although I have never had the pleasure of hearing you.” “Ah!” he replied, “none of us can preach like this. How humble and insignificant we all feel in the presence of such a display of the Almighty power; and how grateful we should be to remember that infinite love guides this power.” The Sunday following, divine service was held as usual in the large after cabin. Of course it was the Episcopal form of worship. The captain conducted the services, assisted by the clerk and the ship’s surgeon. A dozen or two of the sailors, shaved, washed, and neatly dressed, were marched into the cabin by the mate; most of the passengers were also present. Those who have witnessed this service, as conducted by Captain Judkins, need not be reminded that he does it much as he performs his duties on deck. He speaks as one having authority; and a listener could hardly help feeling that there would be some danger of a “row” if the petitions (made as a sort of command) were not speedily answered. After dinner I asked Dr. Baird if he would be willing to preach to the passengers in the forward cabin. He said he would cheerfully do so if it was desired. I mentioned it to the passengers, and there was a generally-expressed wish among them that he should preach. I went into the forward cabin, and requested the steward to arrange the chairs and tables properly for religious service. He replied that I must first get the captain’s consent. Of course, I thought this was a mere matter of form; so I went to the captain’s office, and said: “Captain, the passengers desire to have Dr. Baird conduct a religious service in the forward cabin. I suppose there is no objection.” “Decidedly there is,” replied the captain, gruffly; “and it will not be permitted.” “Why not?” I asked, in astonishment. “It is against the rules of the ship.” “What! to have religious services on board?” “There have been religious services once to-day, and that is enough. If the passengers do not think that is good enough, let them go without,” was the captain’s hasty and austere reply. “Captain,” I replied, “do you pretend to say you will not allow a respectable and well-known clergyman to offer a prayer and hold religious services on board your ship at the request of your passengers?” “That, sir, is exactly what I say. So, now, let me hear no more about it.” By this time a dozen passengers were crowding around his door, and expressing their surprise at his conduct. I was indignant, and used sharp language. “Well,” said I, “this is the most contemptible thing I ever heard of on the part of the owners of a public [Illustration: _PUT ME IN IRONS._] passenger ship. Their meanness ought to be published far and wide.” “You had better ‘shut up,’” said Captain Judkins, with great sternness.