MY DOG, SLOP. 235' 



by Slop laying his paw on my knee and looking up 

 wistfully in my face, as if to inquire what was wrong. 

 ' Ah ! Slop,' I cried, ' you can reach the shore, and 

 are safe enough ; but your master will perish miserably. 

 What will they think at home ? ' His quick ear caught 

 the word home, and he was instantly on the alert, as if 

 for orders, and even ran to the water's edge with an 

 eager whine, which expressed as plainly as words could 

 have done : * Send me.' In my first excitement, I had 

 not thought of this before ; and even now, when there 

 really seemed a gleam of hope in it, the thought of 

 parting from my companion and being left alone on 

 that terrible rock, was dreadful. But what else was 

 there that could be done ? ' You are right. Slop,' I 

 said, ' It is my only chance, and you shall go.' I 

 tore a leaf from my pocket-book, and wrote : ' I am on 

 the Skarta Skerry, boat adrift. Send help instantly, 

 or it will be too late.' Hastily, but securely, I wrapped 

 my missive in my handkerchief, which I tied firmly 

 to Slop's collar, all the time saying to the intelligent 

 creature : ' You must go home with this, Slop, home. 

 Now, Slop, will you be sure to take my message home 

 and quick V He was already at the water's edge. 

 'Come here. Slop,' I cried. He rushed back to my 

 arms. For an instant I hesitated, and tried to think. 

 ' Yes,' I said ; ' it must be so ; it is my only chance. 

 Slop, Slop, your master is in sore straits ; his life 

 depends upon you. Brave dog, good dog ! Now, home, 

 Slop — home and quicJc ! ' 



" Two bounds, an impatient bark, as though he meant 



