Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1889-01-24

no obeyed, rolling on his back and
floating aslightiy as possible upon the
surface Several hands had rushed TO
the forccastlo and galley for bits OF
beef or pork with which 10 try to coax
the shark 10 remain alongside until
their shipmate could be picked up.
The shark nosed at the various tid-
bits thrown out to him, but no seemed
mistrustful, aud 10 have an idea that
we were trying to hoodwink him lie
still, however, remained by the ship.
The boat was down, and pulling rap
idly toward the boy, when the noiso OF
the oars attracted tho shark. lie at
once set of toward her and followed in
tho wake. Then began our worst sus-
ponse. II he kept behind the boat
Billy might be reached in time; but #
he should put forth his speed and pass
her, there could be no hope Of saving
him.
"lie still, Billyr' shouted the cap
tain, as he wrung his hands. deploring
his carelessness in permitting us TO go
into the water at all. "Lie just as still
~ yOu tdns UT you are lOstl
IL was but q short pull, but the time
seemed lcng ns the mon gave way with
will Behind the ewiitly moving
boat, and Keeping pace with her mo.
tion, n 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 man rises
In the bow. and, leaning ov err. grasps
tho terrified boy by the hand, while the
mate loudly shoats, Hold water, alli''
The boats way is stopped, and Billy
is being drawn in over the bow. An
exultant cheer rises from the ship.
where, breathless with suspense, all
hands are watching the terrible race.
The rejoicing comes too quicxl High
above tho cheer Is heard a shrek that
none who hear ever forget. The fin d.
has passed around the boats stern.
and instantly there is a sudden and
fearful commotion alongside. As Billy
is being lifted into the boat the shark
so long deluded and misled sees him.
He is then scarcely twenty feet dis
tant With lightning-like dart he
rushes upon his prey just as he is al
most clear from the water.
Horrorl He has his victiml
mol
He has missed the body by halr'o
breadth. but has caught the calf OF
Billy's leg, from which, not quite
grasping the bone, no 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 rag and
bleeding, passed on 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 restora-
tives applied which brought him to
life once 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
needless to say that while he lived he
never tempted the sharks by UNDER
taking swimming exploits in salt
water. For myself. l have not swan
since that day when / was on the
point OF leaping into the jaws of a
shark. Pullen, in Youths
Companion.