American Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1855-1860, 1855-11-08

Ou dSOOuUb VI tne NiIte SlldTh
in those waters, they regarded his situa-
tion with painful solicitude.
BY the time the boat touched the water
their worst fears were realized, for at some
distance behind the swimmer, they behcld
advancing upon him the fish most dreaded
in those waters.
"Hurry hurry, men or we shall be
too late," exclaimed the matO. whats
that p
The splash which causes this enquiry
was occasioned by the plunge Of Napoleon
into the sea,-the noble animal having
beon. 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 if conscious of the peril
OF his late enemy, and gratifed at it.
His growls, however, were soon chang.
ed into whines Of sympathy which SO often
shows the attachment of the dog to nian,
when the latter is in danger. At last he
plunged, and rapidly made his way to-
wards the now nearly exhausted captain,
who, aware of his double danger. and be-
ing passibe swimmer, made fainter and
fainter strokes, while adversary closed rap
idly upon him.
"Pull boys, for dear life !''-was the
shout of the mate, as the boat now follow
ed the dog, whose huge limbs propelled
him gallantly to the scene of danger.
Slowly the fatigued swimmer made his
way, while ever and anon his head sunk
in the waves, and behind him the back of
the voracious animal told what fearful pro-
gress he was making, while Lancaster in
the bow of the boat stood with knife in
his upraiscd hand Watching alternately the
captain and his pursuer, and the faithful
animal who had saved his own life:
There was fixed look Of pale determi-
nation 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.
"Gool Col! what d swimmcr;" ex-
claimed the men, who marked the speed of
the splendid animal. The shalk will havo
one or bo.h, if W. don't do our best!'
The scene was of short duration. Ere
the boat coull ovortakc the dog, tho enor-
NOUS shark had arrived within three oars
length of the captain and suddenly turned
over on his back, preparatory to darling
on the sinking man. aal receiving him in
his vast jaws, which now displayed their
rows Of long triangular teeth.
The wild shrek of the captain announc-
ell that the crisis had come. But now Ma
poeon seemed inspired with increased
strength had also arrived, and with fierce
growl leaped upon the cleaning belly Of
the shark, and buried his teeth in the mon
stcr's flesh, while the boat swiftly nearod
them.
"Saved !" if we are half as smart ds that
dog is" cried the mate, as all saw the vo-
raciGus monster shudJer in the sea, and
smarting with the pain, turn over again,
the dog retaining his hold and becoming
submerged III the Water.
AT this juncture the boat arrived, and
Lancaster, his knife in his teeth, plunged
into the water where the captain also had
now sunk from view.
But moment elapsed ere the dog a.
rose to the surface, and soon after Lancas-
ter with the iI'sensible form of the captain.
"Pull them in and give them an oar !"
cried the mate, 'for that fellow is prepar-
ing for another lurch."
His orders were obeyed, and the second
onset Of the marine monster was foied by
the mates splashing water in his eyes, as
he came again, aud but a few seconds too
late to snap oil The captains legs. as his
body was drawn into the boat.
Foiled the second lime, the shark pass
cd the boat, plunged, and was seen no
more, but left track of blood on the sur
face of the water, token Of the severity
Of the wound from Napoleon.
The boat was now pulled towards the
brig, and not many hours elapsed before
the captain was on deck again, feeble from
his efforts, but able to appreciate the SER
vices of our canine hero, and most bitter
ly to lament his own cruel act which had
mutilated him forever.
"T would give my right arm! p he ex-
claimed, as he patted the Newfoundland,
as he stood by his side, "if I could only
repair the injury have done to that splen-
did fellow. Lancaster you are now aven-
ged, and so is he, and most christian
Vengeance it is, though it will be source
OF grief to me as long as l live"