"Yes, sir," she timidly replied. "Ray talked and prayed with me after the service, and I do feel that I have given myself to Jesus, and that he has accepted me." "I am very glad to hear it," Mr. Carleton responded, "and I shall be glad to help you in any way that I can, to a fuller understanding of what it is to follow him." Then to Ray: "How about Sailor Jack?" "He is completely in the dark," Ray answered. "I was over to see him early this morning, and found that Mr. Woodhull had been with him all night, but no light or peace had yet come. His great trouble seems to be that he has already sinned away his day of grace. I wish you might see him; possibly you could help him." "I will try and see him soon," answered his pastor; "but how about your taking the four o'clock preaching service on Sunday at the Forge? It would be a great relief to me if you would do it, and you seem to have a strong hold upon that people." For a moment Ray seemed on the point of refusing; then he asked, softly: "Do you think Jesus would like to have me do it, Mr. Carleton?" "I think he is always pleased to have us do the work that lies at our hand for him, and which we _can_ do; nay, more: I think he requires it of us," said the minister. "I will do the best I can, sir," replied Ray, humbly. It was a full house that Ray was called to face Sunday afternoon, for it had become generally known that he was to conduct the service. Even Mr. Branford, Ray's father, had slipped in through the door at the last moment and taken a rear seat, as if almost ashamed to be seen in the Lord's house. Ray conducted the service in a way very similar to that he had followed the Wednesday evening before, only he now talked a little longer, and this time it was from the words: "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." It was a helpful, comforting, all-powerful Saviour whom he presented to those listening ears, and not one went away without feeling, that to that young Christian heart, at least, he was all he had pictured him. At the close of the service a number of those who had risen on Wednesday, stayed behind to tell of a new-found hope; but though Sailor Jack tarried with the rest, he, to every question asked him, only answered: "I am shut up in a darkness that is blacker than night. Not a ray of light comes to me. I can only feel I am fast sinking in despair." "Why not hold another service to-night, Ray?" asked Mr. Woodhull. "It seems to me the interest manifested warrants it." "Very well," replied Ray. And notice was at once sent out among the people announcing the fact, while he went up to the parsonage to apprise Mr. Carleton of the liberty he had taken.