The Proverbial War - Page 119/141

The prayer finished I opened my eyes to see Koke smiling warmly at me and the Captain looking puzzled about something. Colt; however, was gone!

My frantic eyes turned to Koke and I asked, "Where did Colt go?"

He pointed out behind me and I looked to where he pointed only to see Colt approaching the outlying reef in a native dugout canoe. What was he doing?

I started to scream out to him, but Koke restrained me by grasping my arm.

"He wouldn't hear you."

"Where's he going Koke? He can't be going for the scrolls alone can he?"

"No, the sunken city is in the opposite direction. I think he's going for help."

"Help? From who?"

Then it came to me, "But they tried to kill us!" I exclaimed, as I remembered my time spent with the American Navy.

Koke shook his head, "I don't see much hope in it, but it's best to let him try."

The native dugout's small square sail came out and the little vessel shot out for the open ocean. I felt tears course down my cheeks as I watched the little boat disappear quickly. He hadn't even said goodbye.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to find that the touch had been that of the Japanese Captain.

"Would you care to come aboard? This island will not be any safer than our ships if we fail in the fight to come. Perhaps your strong prayers may provide my men the inspiration to fight harder. I can see that you believe everything that you do and that inner confidence could be of great value for my men to see."

I wiped at my tears even as I was inwardly overwhelmed by the Captain's confidence in my praying ability. I'd only been praying for a few weeks now. What measure of strength did he think I possessed, but then I guess it wasn't my strength that he was noticing. The knowledge that my life was reflecting my Savior was in turn confidence inspiring to me.

"I thought you said you didn't have faith Captain?"

"I don't, but it is clear to me that you do. Perhaps my former faith was wrong. Anyway I would like to see more of your faith in action."

I fought against being overwhelmed by the Captain's confidence in my faith. A simple message held true within the confines of my mind. If victory was to be achieved and miracles performed it would only be by the grace of God and not by any act of mine.

I felt an urging from within to go with the Captain, but I hesitated.