226 Daniel Pratt 



shore. Something moving caught my gaze, and 

 there, down in the depths of the clear blue lake, I 

 saw a struggling object which seemed to come 

 nearer. Another second and the surface was broken, 

 and the head of the dog, still grimly holding his 

 charge, came into view. Though possessing no ped- 

 igree, no royal blood, the noble fellow had remained 

 faithful to his duty, to save the life of even one who 

 had abused him. He had not only held fast to his 

 charge, but had brought him ten feet nearer shore, 

 so that he was within reach of help. I sprang into 

 the water, seized the senseless lad and motioned 

 Daniel to the land. He relinquished his hold, but he 

 would not leave the water until I had safely landed 

 the drowning boy. 



It was hard work reviving the lad. He had 

 been so long in the lake, and had swallowed so much 

 water, it seemed as though he never would breathe 

 again ; but I finally succeeded in restoring him to 

 consciousness. During all that time, Daniel, drip- 

 ping with water, stood looking on, as anxious as any 

 of the boy's companions; and when at last he saw the 

 lad's eyes open, he seemed beside himself with joy. 



