The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-01-18
Mistrllaneuns.
From hs Esw Orleans Delta.
A Newfoundland Dogs Revenge.

A Newfoundland Dogs Revenge,
was always fond Of dogs. Goldsmith,
in his touching and eloquent plea for the
dog, where in alluding to the sort of mania
for dos-killing, which prevailed at the time
of which he speaks, in consequence Of an
unreasonable apprehension Of hydrophobia,
says, among other fine things, that the dog
is the only animal which will leave its own
kind, Voluntarily, to follow man.
1t is true, and the truth should bind man
to be the dogs protector.
The American brig Cecilia, Capt. Symmcs,
on one of her voyages, had on board splen-
did specimen Of the Newfoundland breed,
named Napoleon, and his magnificent size
and proportions, his intelligent head, broad,
white chest, white feet and white-tippcd tail,
the rest of his glossy body being black, made
him as beautiful as his peerless namesakc,
who would, no doubt, have been proud to
possess him.
Capt. Symmes, however, was not partial to
animals ofany kind, and had an unaccount-
able and especial rcpugnancc to dogs, as
much 30, rs ifall his ancestors had died of
hydrophobia, and he dreaded to be bitten
like his unfortunate predecessors.
This dislike he one day manifested in n
shocking manner, for Napoleon had several
times entered his room, and by the wagging
of his great banner ofa tail, knocked paper
and ink off his desk. On the next occasion
the captain seized knife and cut the poor
animals tail of.
The dogs yell brought his master to the
spot; seeing the calamity and the author of
it, without a moments hesitation he fclled
Captain Symmcs to the cabin floor with n
sledge hammer blow, which, had it hit the
temple, would forever have prevented the
Captain from cutting of any more dogs
tails.
The result was that Lancaster was put in
irons, from which he, however, was soon re-
leased. Capt. Symmes rcpented his cruel
ded, on learning that Napoleon had once
saved his owners life.
The white shark as all my nautical friends
are aware, is one ofthe largest of sharks
1t averages over twenty, and l have seen one
over twenty-seven and q. half feet long. 1t
is generally considered to be one of the ferc-
est and most formidable Of sharks.
But few days elapsed after this catastro.
phe of poor Napoleon ere he became the hero
of most thrilling occurrence, the very tho't
of which has so often filled me with horror.
During the interval the noble beast was not
at all backward in exhibiting his wrath to
the captain by his growls whenever he ap-
preached.
In vain did his master, fearful for the life
his dog, essay to check these signs of his
anger. Capt. Symmes, however, made the
allowance, and offered no further harm to
him.
One morning as the captain was standing
on the bowspit, he lost his footing and fell
overheard, the Cecilia then running about
fifteen knots an hour.
Man overheard Capt. Symmes over
board!" was the cry, and all rushed to get
out the boat as they saw a swimmer strike
out for the brig, which was at once rounded
to, and us they felt especially apprehcnsive
on account of the white sharks in those
waters, they regarded his situation with 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 beheld
towards him the fish most dread
ed
Hurry hurry mcn-or We shall be too
latc," exclaimed the mate. What's
that?"
The splash that caused this inquiry was
occasioned by the plunge of Napoleon into
the sea the noble animal, having been
watching the cause of the tumult from the
Captains fall, and heard the shout, and for
few moments hal vented his feelings in
deep growls, as If he was conscious Of the
peril of his enemy, and gntifcd in 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 to the
now nearly exhausted captain, who, aware
Of his double danger, and being but n pass
able swimmer, made fainter and fainter
strokes, while his adversary closed rapidly
upon him.
Z" Pull, boys; pull for dear life" was
the shout of the mate, as the boat now fol-
lowed the dog, whose huge limbs propelled
him calamity to the scene Of danger. Slow
ly the fatigucd swimmer made his way |;
ever and anon his head sunk in the waves,
and behind him the hack of the yoracious
animal told him what fearful progress he