MY DOG, SLOP. 241 



stalwart fellows, who knew too well the need there 

 was for it all, and bent to their work with a will ; 

 while high in the bow, like a figure-head, with paws 

 on the gunwale, ears erect, and trembling all over 

 with excitement, the first sight that caught my eye 

 was my noble, faithful Slop ! I had done him in- 

 justice when, for a moment, I thought he had failed 

 me; and my heart smote me. The instant he saw 

 me, he sprang with a joyful bark far ahead, and swam 

 to me. I took him in my arms all dripping as he was. 

 I was saved, and to him I owed my life ! Not his the 

 cause of the delay which had so nearly made the rescue 

 come too late. He had carried my message safely and 

 swiftly home. But notwithstanding that all haste was 

 made, it took a considerable time before a crew of 

 men could be collected. 



" My darling Slop lived to a good old age. He has 

 long passed away to the 'happy hunting-grounds.' 

 Since those days of my youth, he has had several suc- 

 cessors, but never one to equal him in intelligence and 

 fidelity, never one I loved so well, and never one that 

 so well deserved to be loved and cherished. 



"I shall only add that, after that day's terrible 

 experience, I lost no time in putting it beyond possi- 

 bility that I should ever again encounter a like mishap, 

 for I soon became an expert swimmer, and found my- 

 self as much at home in the water as Slop did." 



