The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1856-01-05

BY the time the boat touched the water
their worst fears were realized, for at some
distance behind the swimmer they beheld
advancing toward him the fish most dreaded
in those waters.
"Hurryl hurry! men, or we shall be too
late" exclaimed the mate. "What's that!
The splash which caused this inquiry was
occasioned by the plunge of Napoleon into
the sea; the noble animal having been watch
inc the cause of the tumult from the cap
tain's fall, had heard the shout, and for
few moments had vented his feelings in
deep growls, as if it was conscious Of the
peril of his enemy and gratified at it.
His growls however, were soon changed
into those whines of sympathy which so often
show the attachment of dog to man, when
the latter is in danger. AT last he plunged,
and rapidly made his way toward the now
nearly exhausted captain, who aware of his
double danger and being but a passable
swimmer, made fainter and fainter strokes
while his adversary closed rapidly upon
him.
"Pull, boys, for dear life" was the shout
of the mate, as the boat now followed the
dog, whose huge limbs propelled him gal
lantly to the scene of danger.
Slowly the fatigued swimmer made his
way; ever and anon his head sank in the
waves, and behind him the back of the vo-
racious animal, told him what fearful pro-
gress he was making, while Lancaster, in
the bow of the boat, stood with knife in
his appraised hand, watching alternately the
captain and his pursuer, and the faith
full animal which had saved his own life.
"Good God! what a swimmer exclaimed
the men who marked the speed of the ami
NAL. "The shark will have one or both, if
we don't do our best"
The scene was of short duration. Ere
the boat could overtake the dog, the 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, and receiving him in his
vast jaws, which now displayed their long
triangular teeth.
The wild shrek of the captain announced
that the crisis had come. But now Napoleon,
seemingly inspired with increased strength,
had also arrived, and with fierce howl,
leaped upon the cleaning belly Of the shark,
and buried his teeth in the monsters flesh,
while the boat swiftly neared them.
"Saved! if we are half as smart as that
doc is" cried the mate, as all saw the vora-
cious monster shudder in the sea, and,
smarting with the pains, turned over again,
the dog retaining his hold, and becoming
submerged in the water.
At this iuncture the boat arrived, and
Lancaster, his knife in his teeth, plunged
into the water, where the captain also now
had sunk from view.
But few moments elapsed ere the dog
arose to the surface, and soon after Lancas-
ter, with the insensible form of the captain.
"Pull them in and give them bar"
cried the mate, ''for that fellow is prepar-
ing for another launch"
His orders were obeyed, and the second
onset of the marine monster was foiled by
the mates splashing water in his eyes; he
came again, and but few seconds too late
to snap off the Captains leg, as his body
was drawn into the boat.
Fooled the second time, the shark passed
the boat, plunged and was seen no more,
but left track of blood on the surface 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 bitterly
to lament his own cruel act which had mu-
tilated him forever.
81 would give my right ARM" he ex-
claimed, as he patted the Newfoundland
who stood by his side, if could only re-
pair the injury l have done that splendid
fellow. Lancaster, you are now avenged,
and so is he, and most Christian vengeance
it is, though it will be a source of grief to
me as long as | live"