THE DOG. 161 



seized his master by the shoulder, and swam with him 

 in this manner for some time ; but that his sagacity- 

 prompted him to let go his hold, and shift his grasp to 

 the neck, by which he was able to support the head out 

 of the water. It was in the latter position that the pea- 

 sant observed the dog making his way along the dyke, 

 which it appeared he had done for nearly a quarter of a 

 mile. 



Here was an extraordinary display of sagacity, as well 

 as faithfulness, and to this quality the master of the 

 noble animal appears to have been indebted instru- 

 mentally for his deliverance from death. The feelings 

 with which he regarded the companion of his journeys 

 would doubtless be strengthened by his merciful escape. 

 It is to be hoped, too, that he considered the claims of 

 his unseen Preserver ; while we may be reminded by the 

 narrative, of our dependence on God, and reproved for 

 our disregard of his favours. An interposition in our 

 behalf by a fellow-creature, or even a sagacious animal, 

 has often excited more gratitude to the instrument than 

 all the gifts so richly bestowed on us from our birth 

 have awakened to our heavenly Father. 



The following is a remarkable deliverance in very 

 different circumstances. Lord Forbes was asleep in his 

 house at Castle Forbes, when he was awakened by a 



M 



