The Irish standard., 1915-06-12
CHAPTER XVI.

NOT A DOG, SPITE ITS BARKING.
now stood and listened with ears
which famine had rendered preternatu-
rally acute, hoping that I might some-
where hear the sullen gurgle of water
or the tapping of waves upon stone.
stood so long time; then, waving
torch, stepped rapidly forward. had
only advanced a few yards when / heard
something which caused me to start SO
violently that the torch fell from my
hands. 1t was not the noise of regur-
gitating water or tapping waves, but a
cry loud, clear and distinct, echoing
far and wide in the convolutions of the
huge cave, a cry repeated in quick sue
cession again and again, cry, rather
a new or bark, resembling both
sounds, but the latter more than the for
mer. I was in that condition in which
fear can at any moment burst out into
frantic terror. But recovered myself
In moment. The noise which I had
heard was the barking of seal. had
not spent my boyhood in this coast
without having acquired that much of
seaside knowledge. I knew that it was
seal and even a young seal. Yes, the
tidal water had here somewhere an en-
trance into the cave. went on in the
direction of the noise and was about to
extinguish the burning timber which l
held in my hand when the increased en-
ergy and frequency of the barking con-
WINGED me that the seal, so far from be-
ing terrified by the light, seemed to like
it, and as believed was endeavoring
to approach it. I stood again and lis
tened and could hear it's fappihgs and
drufflings. Still going on, came rath-
or suddenly within view of the crea-
ture. The water, which 1 could now
see, was good many yards behind 1t
and already, mad with hunger, could
see and smell chops and steaks of the
little seal frizzling in one of my fires,
for of course l had determined to lose
no time about killing and eating this
animal which Providence had SO unex-
pectedly cast in my way. But when
saw the poor creature, my sole fellow
occupant of the gloomy prison, still flap
ping and Topping toward me and the
pathetic look in its eyes, for the seal
can look very pathetic, an involuntary
feeling Of compassion rose within me.
It was not in the least afraid of me even
when I came close up to it, probably
because it was so much pleased by the
light. No doubt ere long famine would
have driven out pity-a man Feeling
all the vulture in his jaws will eat any
thing. But at this moment the light OF
my torch fell on something shining on
the edge of the water. 1t was a good
sized salmon, just a little nibbled at
about the neck and shoulders. AS in
flash / perceived that this little moan
ing suppliant whom a few minutes be-
fore I had been on the point of killing
might be the means of my preservation.
This large fish was never killed by my
small friend; it was killed by it's par
ents and brought thither as food for
their offspring. l would keep the child
a close prisoner and compel the parents
to feed both it and me. TIL, fishing line
Of which l have spoken had with me
still fastened to the rod. unwound it's
twisted cords and fastened one end round
the seals neck with knot that would
not slip and made the other end fast
round the projecting corner of bowl
der. Then, rejoicing, bore away the
salmon. which, cut into thick steaks,
was soon frizzling and spluttering gay
~ in the fire which was nearest. knew
now 80 we'll the lay of this end of the
cave that / had no fear about finding
my way to Curry's Window whenever /
should feel inclined. Having duly said
grace, and more earnestly than ever be-
fore in my life, fell to and made
hearty meal. The seal was all this time
crying piteously. When had ended,
brought to it piece of the broiled sal,n-
on, which it devoured greedily. KNEW
then that the little seal and would be-