8 
he seized my hand and fervently thanked me 
for my timely assistance. | 
“ Did I bag my game?” inquired my shiver- 
ing companion, when fully restored to strength 
and composure. 
“Yes sir, one of the flock dropped on the 
shore almost at the feet of the old man that 
stood there wringing his hands in anguish 
when your aecident occurred.” 
“Poor Petro, he was doubtless horrified by 
my mishap. I much feared I had lost my 
game as well as my balance. You will under- 
stand, that just as I drew a bead on the flock 
and fired, a strong gust of wind so rocked my 
boat, that its motion in conjunction with the 
recoil of my fowling-piece, caused me to suffer 
an inconvenient bath, and gave you an oppor- 
tunity to demonstrate a vital truth, that man is 
his brother’s keeper. I feel assured that, but 
for your timely aid, the accident would have 
proved disastrously serious. I must therefore 
consider you my literal saviour, and I sincerely 
hope and believe that time will prove how fully 
I appreciate your kindly services. Now if you 
will allow me to man the oars, I will be able to 
keep my chilled blood in healthy circulation, 
and soon land us on the island, when we will 
allay Petro’s fears of any serious results follow- 
ing my narrow escape.” 
I was glad to comply with my companion’s 
request, as I could then enjoy the opportunity 
thus afforded me to critically view my new 
