THE SHEPHERD'S DOG. 139 



A fortunate escape. 



possible, and listened attentively for a few rai- 

 autes, when he heard a conversation between 

 several persons whom he had not seen when he 

 first came into the house, which left him no room 

 to doubt of their intention. The yillainpus land- 

 lord was informing them, in a low tone, of the 

 booty they would find in the possession of his 

 guest, and the moment tfyey were to murder him 

 for that purpose! 



Alarmed as Archer was, he immediately con- 

 cluded that no time was to be lost in using his 

 utmost exertion to save his life; he, therefore, 

 without hesitation, burst in amongst them, and 

 fired his pistol at the landlord, who fell from his 

 seat ; the rest of the gang were struck with asto- 

 nishment at so sudden an attack, while the gra- 

 zier made for the door, let himself out, and fled 

 with rapidity, followed by the dog. A musket 

 was discharged after him, but fortunately did not 

 do any injury. With all the speed that clanger 

 could create, he ran until day-light enabled him 

 to perceive a house, and the main road at no 

 great distance. To this house he immediately 

 went, and related all that he had seen to the 

 landlord, who immediately called up a recruiting 

 party that were quartered upon him, the serjeant 

 of which accompanied the grazier in search of 

 the house in the wood. The services and saga- 

 city of the faithful dog were now more than ever 

 rendered conspicuous, for by running before the 



