THE following story is told by an old sailor, one of the few who were saved when the “Hampshire,” with Lord Kitchener on board, was sunk during the last war.
He was, later, sent out on a mine-laying expedition; and when his vessel had got well out to sea, with 40 mines on board, a message was received saying that she was being pursued by a submarine. They were told that no help could be sent, and they must do the best they could.
The Captain called all hands on deck, and explained the position to them, he then said: “There is nothing left for us but prayer.” He accordingly held a short prayer-meeting on deck, and commended his crew and himself to God.
The submarine overtook them, and blew the bottom out of their ship; but not one man was killed, and not one of the forty mines exploded.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”
J.B.