Cuffy, the Beautiful Newfoundland Dog 131 



oak axe handle, and it turned out fortunate 

 enough for me that I had such a formidable 

 weapon. Just as I had expected, Jack's 

 blood was up as soon as he heard Cuffy's 

 cries. He was on the opposite side of the 

 large yard and busily engaged in eating his 

 second fish. Suddenly springing up, he was 

 a splendid sight as there he stood for an in- 

 stant, head up, ears alert, and with his foot 

 on his coveted, half -devoured fish. As 

 Cuffy's cries continued, with a rush and a 

 roar the enormous fellow came for me. 



I knew, from some exciting experiences 

 I had had with angry dogs in the past, that 

 my dog-whip was of but little avail in the 

 battle before me, and so I quickly exchanged 

 it for the heavy axe-handle. And I had to 

 be quick about it, for it, did not take the now 

 thoroughly angry dog long to dash across 

 the yard and plunge recklessly at me for the 

 rescue of his beloved mate. However, I was 

 ready for him; and so, as he sprang vi- 

 ciously at me I was able to strike him such 

 a blow that I knocked him completely over. 

 In an instant he was up again, and once 

 more he sprang at me just as viciously as 

 before. However, I was on my guard, and 

 again, with all my might, I struck him on 



