72
We did.
Everything in life that really mattered was now behind me. Do you remember my last words of instruction and advice to you when I telephoned you from the wharf before we sailed? I felt as if I had made the greatest decision of my life - a decision which would cause heart burning and perhaps regret. A few minutes later my ship passed under your windows. The wash from our screws lapped at the base of the new naval guns' foundation - guns which could not bear on the enemy who came in the back way. You and the children and the servants were there on the verandah waving. Happy, the dog, was there too. I focused and re-focused my binoculars frantically to keep you in sight, but you were fading quickly on account of our rapidly increasing distance from each other. Then in a moment of despair, I felt I had failed you in the very first test. Perhaps there would not be a second chance. The voices returned to mock me, "Now will you practice what you have preached? No longer can you talk of Faith, you must live it. You must believe in the face of almost overwhelming proof to the contrary." I was shaking with emotion. My gaze was fixed astern. The navigation of the ship I temporarily left to the faithful Chinese pilot. Suddenly as if blazoned in letters of gold in the sky I "saw" the message: - "Underneath are the everlasting arms." You had faded from sight. The buildings were only a blur on the island side. But in your place, above you, like the rainbow of old, was the message: "The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." I must remove all doubts and fears and trust Him. An hour or so later, as we approached the arbitrary line of water which separated the waters of the Colony from the Japanese controlled water, I saw a Japanese river gunboat waiting at anchor. Approaching her, we courteously saluted by dipping our ensign. The salute was returned. She then immediately hove up anchor and followed us. It was too deliberate, too well
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