88 
A FIGHT WITH SHARKS. 
only knee-deep, and lie, retaining his presence of mind, 
■svas enabled to keep a pretty firm footing, while by well- 
directed thrusts with a long bowie-knife, which he drew 
from his back, he succeeded in keeping them oft* until 
the boat came to his assistance. Then ho got into her 
with amazing agility and inquired into his damages. He 
found himself minus his right boot-leg, a large piece 
of the right leg of his drawers, and a small piece of the 
skin from his right calf. The shark had evidently a 
fancy for his right leg below the knee.” 
Shortly after this adventure the Hancock ran short of 
coal and returned to Batavia for more, leaving the Ken- 
nedy at Selio Island to make tidal observations, These 
observations were to be made on a rock known as 
“White Rock,” some miles from the ship and entirely 
cut ofl:* from the island. Lieutenant J. II. Russell was 
ordered upon the duty, and had with him a small boat, 
three men, a tent, and cooking-utensils. The boat was 
also armed and provisioned, as was the general order, in 
case of some unlooked-for accident, and they got along 
very smoothly for some days. Let my journal tell the 
rest : — 
“One morning he rubbed his eyes and looked in vain 
for the boat. Then he called in vain for two of the men. 
Finally he searched in vain for enough provisions to 
make a breakfast for himself and his remaining com- 
panion, and then began to feel that he had been 
weathered. Smith and Longhead had loaded the boat 
with every thing edible and drinkable, and departed for 
‘parts unknown:' our work was too hard for them. 
This discovery was no sooner made than they began to 
