o prevent the shark from
overtaking them.

Every moment he expected to see the monster sink from sight,--then he
knew all hope would be gone. At this moment a cry was heard on board
the ship, that reached every heart,--the boys had discovered their
enemy.

The cry startled the old gunner, and, quicker than thought, he sprung
from the quarter-deck. The guns were all loaded and shotted, fore and
aft, and none knew their temper better than he.

With steady hand, made strong by sudden hope, the old gunner pricked the
cartridge of one of the quarter guns; then he took from his pocket a
percussion cap, fixed it on its place, and set back the hammer of the
gun-lock.

With great exertions, the old man turned the heavy gun to its bearing,
and then seizing the string of the lock, he stood back and watched for
the next swell that would bring the shark in range. He had aimed the
piece some distance ahead of his mark; but yet a moment would settle his
hopes and fears.

Every breath was hushed, and every heart in that old ship beat
painfully. The boat was yet some distance from the boys, while the
horrid sea-monster was fearfully near.

[Illustration]

Suddenly the silence was broken by the roar of the gun; and, as the old
man knew his shot was gone, he covered his face with his hands, as if
afraid to see the result. If he had failed, he knew that his boy was
lost.

For a moment after the report of the gun had died away upon the air,
there was an unbroken silence; but, as the thick smoke arose from the
surface of the water, there was, at first, a low murmur breaking from
the lips of the men,--that murmur grew louder and stronger, till it
swelled to a joyous, deafening shout.

The old gunner sprung to his feet, and gazed off on the water, and the
first thing that met his sight was the huge body of the shark floating
on its back, the shot aimed by him having instantly killed it.

In a few moments the boat reached the daring swimmers, and, greatly
frightened, they were brought on board. The old man clasped his boy in
his arms, and then, overcome by the powerful excitement, he leaned upon
a gun for support.

* * * * *

Directions for Reading.--What paragraphs should be read rapidly? Does
the feeling require it?

Use _calling tones_ for the words, "A shark! A shark!"

* * * * *

Language Lesson.--Syllabify, accent, and mark sounds of letters in the