328 Wild Life in Southern Seas. 
a sharp jerk by finding that the dog’s chain was 
fastened to the kennel. Nothing daunted, how¬ 
ever, the enterprising savage then seized the 
kennel, dog and all, and essayed to take away 
the lot. But the kennel was nailed to the deck, 
whereupon he ceased his efforts, and looked 
around the deck for something more portable. 
This soon appeared in the shape of a kitten, one 
of two brought from Port Jackson; and the 
dog-bereft native sprang at it like a tiger, 
“ caught up the unconscious, and, to him, 
unknown animal, and, with a howl of joy, 
sprang into the sea.” The good missionary, 
running to the side of the ship, beheld the dar¬ 
ing ravisher swimming towards a canoe lying 
half a cable length from the ship. As soon as 
he reached the canoe, holding the cat with both 
hands, and elevating these above his head, he 
exhibited her to his companions with evident 
exultation; while in every direction the natives 
were seen paddling their canoes towards him to 
gaze upon the strange creature he had brought 
from the vessel.” 
Then follows an account of the wrath of the 
captain of the ship who wanted to shoot the cat 
stealer, but was prevented by the calmer-headed 
