Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-10-10
The Rescue of Jock
THAT he should meet with an adyen-
BY John H. whitson

Saugus Inlet.
There was still some sea running. a.
the result of the recent gale; but Sic
was used TO the ocean and its ways
Born in his present home. on one OF the
small islands of the upper New England
coast, the wash" OF the waves had beer
In his ears since his earliest recollec-
, ton.
"Must have been fire in the woods al
J Cataract Point" was his thought. as be
took the tiller and drew in the sheet OF
the sail for the long tack that was to
take him beyond the headland. Prob
ably tree burning"
There had been a red light in the
southern sky at daybreak, and now he
could dimly discern a filmy trace Of
smoke. There were no houses on Cata-
ract Point. or In that direction. II was
a lonely spot. visited only in summer by
camping and fishing parties.
Sid Holly did not think of burning
ship; but when be had beat well out
through the choppy waves that were
running off the headland. he saw big.
square-rigged vessel. rolling heavily.
with smoke rising in thin cloud from
a point forward.
Sid Immediately altered his course
and stood away for the unfortunate
ship. As he passed under her stern. he
read the name Java. Boston. Mass"
She was down almost 10 the main
chains. and threatened TO 60 70 the bot
tom at any moment. Sid kept well off.
not caring to be near the whirlpool that
would be produced II she should 60
down with a sudden lurch.
Whih studying the smoke, a queer
chattering noise caused him 70 glance
aloft. and be saw a small hairy body
crouched on the mizzen cross-trees. II
was a monkey. looking down at him
with what seemed 10 be an appealing
expression.
The monkeys pitiful condition
touched Sid's heart.
Poor little fellow!" be muttered.
They forgot you, did they, when they
abandoned the ship?"
Then be called TO f.;
"Come. Joekl Come. Jockl Come
down. Jock."
The monkey moved uneasily. glanced
toward the forward deck as II IL saw or
heard something there Of which 1t was
afraid. and refused to descend.
Sid shifted the tiller, 70 pass back
under the stern. and threw over the
boom as the boat came around.
"Come. jock" be urged. as be again
drew near.
The moneky uttered nervous chatters
and moved restlessly on its perch. but
would not come down.
Sid sent the boat on round the Java,
at respectful distance. The FIRE was
evidently in the forecastle, but II |
seemed to be making no progress The
worst thing was the vessels sinking |
condition. Sid studied her closely.
''She may stay ahoat a half hour, or
even a half day" was his conclusion.
Again he looked at the monkey. Pity
for 1t. combined with a thought that
there might be something on the vessel
which be could take in his boa; 10 rec
ompense him for the risk. finally over
came his fears. He put the boat along
|
1t by line; then climbed to
he deserted deck As the monkey APP
peared 10 be on the point OF descending
he shrouds, Sid. feeling that what he
did be must do quickly. climbed up TO
meet II.
1t was in no wise afrtid Of him. but
pleased, rather, and grateful. 1t had |
,een the pet OF some sailor. he was sure.
perhaps OF the captain. Sid took 1t
nto his arms and looked into its grave
,rown eyes.
Suddenly IL gave a chatter OF fear.
capped from his arms TO his shoulder.
nd seemed on the point of springing to
he shrouds and racing back to its form
r position.
Wondering what had frightened it,
I'd turned 10 the deck. What he saw
ave him such start that he almost
&; 80 his hold. Az tiger had emerged
rom the forward companionway and :
TODD looking up at him. its eyes blazing
nd its tail waving a snaky threat. An
Of surprise and alarm came
rom sid Holly's lips, and the monkey !,
gain chartered in fear. This was an
Nered by deep growl from the tigers !,
ivernous throat. and by an advance TO =
which brought (; between ;
IL and his boat. =
The appearance Of the tiger on the :.
Eek was so strange and apparently so =
explicable that Sid Holly might readi-
have been excused for thinking this =
ie improbable experience Of dream. !.
aier. he knew that the Java had :.
ought the tiger and several other wild =
,asts in cages from an Indian port. =
Unsigned to circus firm in Bridge i
,rt. The storm had blown the Java =.
Il OF her course and 10 the norihward. -
lie learned. too. that when the boats
ere ready to pull away from the 10
'omed ship some tender-hearted men, ~.
T Of the crew had slipped the oars Of 10
e cages. with the result that most OF
e released animals. frightened by the he
e had Immediately leaped into the ~