, 1889-01-22

have struck directly In his path. He
seemed unaware of Blly's being still in
the water, for his attention had been
first called to those nearer the ship.
The mate and all who could were hard
OF work lowering one of the quarter
boats, and shouting to Billy to keep of,
n not come any nearer the vessel.
With much presence of mind he obeyed,
rolling on his back and floating as lightly
as possible upon the surface. Several
hands had rushed to the f~orecastle and
galley for bits of beef or pork with which
to try to o a h shark to remain along
side until their shipmate could be picked
up.
The shark nosed at the various tidbits
thrown out to him, but he seemed mis-
trustful, and to have an idea that we
were trying to hoodwtnk him. He still,
however, remained by the ship.
Tho boat was down, and pulling rap
Idly toward the boy, when the noise OF
the oars attracted the shark. He at once
set off toward her, and followed In tho
wake. Then began our worst suspense.
If he kept behind the boat, Billy might
be reached In time; but II he should put
forth his speed and pass her, there could
be no hope Of saving him
Lie still, Billyi" shouted the captain,
as he wrung his hands, deploring his
carelessness In permitting US t o go into
the water at all. Lie Just as still as
you can, or you are lostF'
1t was but q short pull, but the time
seemed long as the men gave way with
q will. Behind the swiftly moving boat,
and keeping pace with her motion, a
dark pointed fin cleaves the water. A
moment more and the boat Is by the
swimmer, her bow gradually turning
away as she nears him. The fin draws
closer in her wake. AS the boat swings
within reach, n nan rises in the bow,
and leaning over, grasps tho terrified
boy by the hand, while the mate loudly
shouts, Hold water, allT'
The boats way Is stopped, and Billy is
being drawn In oven the bow. An ex-
ultant cheer rises from the ship, where,
oreathless with suspense, all hands are
watching the terrible race.
The rejoicing comes too quicki High
lbove the cheer Is heard a shrek, that
hone who neal ever forget. The fin has
passed around the boats stern, and In
stantly there is q sudden and fearful COM
motion alongside. AS Billy Is being
lifted into the boat, the shark so long de-
luded and misled sees him. He is then
scarcely twenty feet distant. With n
lightning like dart he rushes upon his
prey just as he is almost clear from the
"hUET.
Horror! He has his victiml
MOI
He has missed the body by a hairs
breadth, but has caught the calf of Billy's
leg, from which, not quite grasping the
bone, he has torn half the flesh, and
nearly dragged him from the hold Of his
rescuers. With this he sinks beneath the
waves, the boats crew driving at his
tough carcass with oars and boat hooks,
but making no impression.
The boat was quickly alongside the
ship, and Billy, limp as n rag and bleed
ing, passed OF board. He had tainted as
soon as taken from the water, and Just
as the shark seized him. Carrying him
into the cabin, his wound was dressed,
and restoratives applied which brought
him to life onc more. Not for several
weeks did he fully regain his senses, and
it was many months before his leg was
well enough to admit Of his walking.
Billy sailed the deep until he went,
years ago, to his long account 1t is al
most needless to say that while he lived
he never tempted the sharks by under
taking swimming exploits in salt water.
For myself, | have not swan since that
day when was on the point Of leaping
into the jaws of a shark.-Clarence Pull
len In Youths Companion.