HOME ONCE MORE, AND RETURN TO AFRICA. 145 
his ardent wish that they might have been together 
at such a time, as they were when they heard of 
Sydney’s death. Duty however to the Master had 
caused the separation, and he trusted they might not 
murmur. He was glad and thankful to be able to 
assure his father that he had realised much of the 
Saviour’s help and comfort. Very pathetically he 
wrote, — “ I seem to be getting so used to trouble and 
loss. I suppose I ’m only a young man yet, but I 
have found this world full of sorrow. My dear 
mother and sister in early life, my darling Minnie, 
my dear little pet ‘ Pussie,’ with her little sister Muriel, 
then dear old Sid, and now my brave missionary 
sister, Carrie. These, besides other losses, which 
naturally have not touched me so nearly. So many 
of our treasures being gathered up and taken care of 
for us in the heavenly kingdom. Never mind, dear 
father ! we will learn the lesson that the worries and 
difficulties, troubles and sorrows, of this world are 
bringing us nearer to the blessedness of the sorrowless 
life ; and not only bringing us nearer, but making us 
more meet for heaven, I trust.” 
Being enabled to bear so nobly this new sorrow, 
Mr. Comber might have proceeded quietly as he 
desired with his work at Wathen, had it not been for 
the exigencies of the mission. At the end of January 
he dates from Underhill, where he had arrived just in 
time to treat Mr. Maynard who was suffering from 
his first attack of fever, but alas, not successfully. 
Mr. Weeks was now nearly due at Banana, with Mrs. 
Weeks^ Messrs. Scrivener and Silvey, and also Miss 
Pitt to be married to Mr. Maynard. Anxious that 
the news of John Maynard’s death should be broken 
as gently as possible to Miss Pitt, he hastened to 
Banana that he might be there on her arrival. Mr. 
and Mrs. Weeks and Mr. Silvey being bound for San 
Salvador, Mr. Comber felt it wise that he should 
accompany them, being very deeply concerned that 
the journey should not be taken too hastily. This 
K 
