It will probably be remembered that, a few years ago, a great
excitement was caused by the discovery of vast deposits of guano upon
the island of Ichaboe, situated on the west coast of Africa. The
remarkable fertilising qualities of guano gave it great value as an
article of commerce, and a large number of vessels were despatched
from various ports to take in cargoes at the island. It was computed
that at one time not less than 500 vessels were lying off Ichaboe, and
as there was no settled authority to regulate the trade of the place,
a scene of indescribable confusion and tumult soon presented itself.
The crews of several of the ships having established themselves upon
the table-land at the top of the island (the island being little more
than a huge rock, rising with almost perpendicular cliffs from the
ocean), a dispute arose between them and their captains, which soon
proceeded to open mutiny on the part of the men. The only access to
their position being by long ladders, the men set their masters at
defiance, and held possession of their stronghold, which was
inaccessible, except by permission of the mutineers. The captains
despatched a vessel to the Cape of Good Hope, for the purpose of
laying a complaint before the governor, and soliciting his aid. The
governor was about to despatch a man-of-war--the only remedy that is
generally thought of in such cases--when a good, devoted man, a
missionary at Cape Town, named Bertram, hearing of the affair,
represented to the governor his earnest desire to spare the effusion
of blood, and his conviction that, if he were allowed to proceed to
the island, he could bring the quarrel to an amicable settlement. Mr
Bertram obtained the consent of the authorities, and the order for the
sailing of the man-of-war was suspended. He proceeded to Ichaboe, and
being rowed ashore, began to ascend one of the lofty ladders. Two
seamen, well armed, who had guard above, shouted to know who he was
and what he wanted. 'A friend, who wants to speak to you,' was the
reply. The guards seeing a single man, unarmed, climbing fearlessly
towards them, permitted him to ascend. He called the men round him,
spoke kindly but faithfully to them, heard their complaints, and
undertook to negotiate for them. He did this with so much tact and
judgment, that a reconciliation was soon effected, and harmony
restored between the captains and their crews. Mr Bertram remained ten
days with the men on the summit of the island, employing the time to
the best advantage in preaching and teaching amongst them. It was only
on the plea of urgent duty that the men would permit him to leave
them. They clustered round him, as he was about to descend from
amongst them for the last time; each was eager to wring him by the
hand, and tears rolled down many a weather-beaten cheek as he bade
them a last adieu. 'God bless you, sir!' they exclaimed; 'you have
been our true friend; would that you could stay amongst us, for we
feel that you have done us good.' It will be well for nations when
they have more faith in the power of a man of peace, and less in that
of a man-of-war.--_Bond of Brotherhood_.