This exciting incident happened about 30 years ago on the East Coast of Africa. Some German vessels of war were cruising round the coast, guarding territory which by aggressive policy they had acquired in those parts, and for this purpose were employing spies to search for and give the necessary information. The pursuance of this policy had greatly incensed the natives against them, and whenever they caught the spies they tortured them and put them to death.
The writer was at this time serving in H.M.S. “B,” on this station, and was a witness of this thrilling incident. A spy, having been taken prisoner, was condemned to suffer the agony in dying which barbarous savages know only too well how to inflict; he was taken to a small hut, and a savage placed over him as sentry, to await his fearful doom on the morrow. The distance of his place of confinement was about half-a-mile from the water’s edge. Early in the morning on which the man was to be executed we dropped anchor close inshore for the purpose of purchasing from the natives anything which might be of interest. A boat was lowered and, with an officer in charge, ordered to pull for shore.
Imagine, dear reader, the feelings of that poor wretched man awaiting death! He could see the British ship drop anchor, the boat manned and armed, and the Union Jack proudly waving in the breeze; he also knew that if he could but gain the shelter of that flag, all would be well. So he determined to make the attempt, and either succeed or perish. Bracing every nerve for the struggle, he drew himself up, and with a spring threw himself at the door, which, not being over-strong, fell with a crash. Dashing through the savage hordes assembling to witness his execution, he had gained several yards before they recovered’ from their surprise sufficiently to give chase, and then, with a wild yell of hatred and revenge, they sprang after him. Swift as a hound escaped from the leash, on sped the prisoner, hope filling his breast and nerving every muscle and sinew for the struggle, while shots from the pursuers, whistled past him, and spears, swords and assegais glinted in the burning sun.
Meanwhile, the officer in the boat had taken in the situation at a glance, and ordering the men to pull with all their might, in three minutes the bows of the boat grounded on the beach, and in another second the crew stood ready to defend the panting fugitive, who, with a leap, cleared the gunwale, and reaching the stern, fell exhausted under the flag.
I shall never forget the delight and joy of that man as he realized his wonderful deliverance from the fearful death that a few moments before had awaited him. “Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life” (Job 2:44And Satan answered the Lord, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. (Job 2:4)). But what is this life for which man is willing to stake the eternal welfare of his soul? “He cometh forth like the flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not” (Job 14:22He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. (Job 14:2)).
My reader, have you ever seriously considered this? If not, do so now, for “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:2727And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27)). I know you have read with interest the escape of the spy, but have you thought how much his case resembles your own. Yet how much less had he at stake than you have if yet unsaved! He was condemned to die; so are you, for thus it is written, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many: and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Heb. 9:27-2827And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27‑28)).
Like a flash of lightning the poor fugitive sprang from the hut, all his strength, energy and power, every nerve, sinew and muscle strained to the utmost in the last and victorious struggle for life and all for the life that “fleeth as a shadow and is gone.” And will you not flee from the wrath to come for your immortal soul’s sake? Decide now for Christ, and You shall he saved; for it is written, “That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”