Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-09-27

s SEP L Il M u f. X III, IS D
board, the Cecilia then running about ten knots
an overheard Captain Symmes over.
board !" was the cry. and all rushed to get oal
the boat as the saw a swimmer striking out fol
the brig, which was at once rounded too, and az
they felt especially apprehensive on account u
the white sharks in those waters, they regarded
his situation in the most painful solicitude,
BY the time the boat touched the water their
worst fears were realized, for at some distance
behind the swimmer, they beheldsadvancing upon
him the fish most dreaded in those waters I'D.
Hurry hurry! men! or we shall be too
late" exclaimed the mate. whats ,hat1"
The splash which caused this inquiry was
occasioned by the plunge Of Napoleon into the
seattle noble animal having been watching the
cause Of the tumult from the bow of the vessel
He had noticed the Captains fall and heard the
shout, and for few moments had vented his
feelings in deep growls as il conscious Of the
peril Of his late enemy and gratifed att.
His growls, however, were soon changed into
those whines of sympathy which so often show
the attachment Of, The dog 10 man, when the latter
is in danger. At last he plunged, and rapidly
! made his way towards the now nearly exhausted
Captain, who, aware of his double danger, and
being but passable swimmer, made fainter and
fainter strokes, while his adversary closed rapidly
upon him. W ~ ''
"Pull boys, for dear life % was the Shout Of
the mate, as the boat now followed the dog
whose huge limbs propelled him galIan,ly to the
scene Of danger.
Slowly the fatgued swimmer made his way
and ever and anon his head sank in the waves
and behind him the back of the yoracious animal
told what fearful progress he was making, while
Lancaster in the bow Of the boat stood with q
knife in his upraised hand, watching alternately
the Captain and his pursuer, and the faithful
animal who had saved his own life. 4t
There was fixed look Of pale determinatior
in his face, which convinced all that should The
dog become sacrifice to the shark, Lancaster
would revenge his death if possible, even at the
risk of his own life
"Good God what swimmer" exclaimed tbs
men, who marked the speed of the splendio
animal. "The shark will have one or both i
we don't do our best
The scene was of short duration. Ere thu
boat could overtake the dog. the enormous sharl
had arrived within three oars length Of thu
Captain and suddenly turned over on his back
preparatory to darting on the sinking man ant
receiving him in his vast jaws, which now dis
played their rows of long triangular teeth.
The wild shrek of the Captain announced
that the crisis had come. But now Napoleon
seeming inspired with increased strength had ais
arrived, and with fierce howl leaped upon tn
cleaning belly of the shark, and buried his teet
in the monster's flesh, while tho boat swift
neared them
"Saved! if we ore half as smart as that do
isl" cried the mate, as all saw the vofaciou
monster shudder in the sea, and smarting wit
the pain. turn over again, the dog retaining hi
hold and become submerged in the water.
At this juncture the boat arrived, and Lancat
ter, his knife in his teeth, plunged into the waite
where the Captain also had now sunk from view
But few moments elapsed ere the dog aros
to the surface, and soon after Lancaster with tn
insensible form of the Captain. -
"Pul them in and give them an oar % erie
the mate, " for that fellow is preparing for q
other launch"
His orders were obeyed, and the second ons'
of the marine monster was foiled be the mate
splashing water in his eyes, as he came agaiI
and but few seconds too late to snap off tf
Captains legs as his body was drawn into ii
boat. .
Fooled the second time, the shark passed tt
boat, plunged, and was seen no more, but le
track of blood on the surface of the water 4
ken of the severity of the wound from Napoleo
The boat was now pulled towards the brig, al
not many hours elapsed before the Captain W
> on deck again, feeble from his efforts, but alb
to appreciate the services of our canine hero, al
, most bitterly to lament his own cruel act viii,
had mutilated him forever
0 /" l would give my right arm!" he exclaime
as he patted the Newfoundland who stood by
o side, I" if could only repair the injury ha
j.. done to that splendid fellow. Lancaster, you a
8 avenged, and so is he, and most christian We
geance it is, though it will be source of gri
:. to rue as long as live."