Gentleman Jack 59 



listened to the music of her happy voice, and was 

 carried by it to paradise. But like lightning came a 

 realization of Jack's peril. That he would kill the 

 mastiff was certain ; but an abrasion of the skin, 

 the puncture of a single blood-vessel, and his own 

 fate was sealed. 



I carried my little daughter into the house, and 

 hurriedly returned. It was nearly over. Even the 

 ferocity of madness was forced to give way before 

 the sturdy strength and coolness of my Jack. As he 

 saw his work was done, he released his hold, and 

 turned with a pleased, even joyous, expression toward 

 me. I instinctively shrank from him, and he saw 

 the movement. His joyousness vanished, and he 

 looked longingly for my favor. My heart was too 

 full to speak. I motioned him after me, and went 

 to the stable. There I found my tongue, and 'gave 

 Jack the praise that he felt his due. A thorough 

 bath restored him to his white and pure color. Then 

 I began to search for injuries. I failed to find them ; 

 but on one ear I detected a slight wound nothing 

 more. I sent at once for our family physician, had 

 it cauterized, and hoped against hope that Jack had 



