142 HOURS WITH NATURE. 



girls about her own age, was amusing herself by throw- 

 ing bits of bread and biscuits into the water to tempt 

 the kites and crows. In doing so, she on one occasion 

 leaned forward a little too much, lost her balance, and fell 

 overboard. Great was the consternation among the 

 passengers and crew, and every body rushed forward 

 where others had preceded them. Unspeakable was their 

 joy to find the girl safe, but dripping like a mermaid, 

 on a small fishing boat. The credit of the gallant rescue 

 belonged to Rajaram. His boat was just gliding past 

 the steamer, and while watching, as was his wont, what 

 was going on on board the vessel, he had observed the 

 girl falling, and, without a moment's hesitation or 

 loss of time, had plunged into the water after her. 

 That the plucky young fisherman should not wait for 

 buksheesh was, of course, a matter of surprise to every 

 body. But as it was just time to weigh anchor, nobody 

 could spare a thought about it in the hurry and confusion 

 of the moment. 



At about ii o'clock next morning RajarS-m was usher- 

 ed into the presence of the representative of the Penin- 

 sular and Oriental Company in Calcutta, a "high souled 

 gentleman who had sent messengers in all directions 

 to find out the whereabouts of the young fisherman 

 who had saved the life of his little niece, with instruc- 

 tions to bring him to his orifice when found. "Brave 

 young fellow" said he addressing Rajaram, and offering 

 him a purse containing two hundred rupees in silver, 

 "here is your reward for your humane deed." 



