w
Caesar leap into the water. My heart gave one great
bound, and then the loud cry, 'Child overboard!' made
all hearts quail with fear.

"There was a stiff breeze, and the vessel making near
ten knots an hour. My fear was that before the boats
could be lowered we should be too far off; but I was
mistaken. The grateful dog plunged down when he saw his
mistress sink, and rose with her clothes firmly grasped
in his teeth. Then he commenced swimming after the
vessel, while the sailors in the boats were making
toward him as fast as possible.

"It was a moment of silent rejoicing when our pretty
Inez was safe on board again. Mrs. Lenox wept and
strained the dripping child to her heart, after which
she hugged faithful Caesar, drenched as he was, in her
arms.

"If a dog can feel happiness,--of which I have no
doubt,--Caesar did during the rest of that day. The
sailors rubbed his coat dry, and fed him sumptuously.
Everybody praised him; but what he enjoyed more than all
else was the sight of Inez brought on deck by her
mother, and set down by his side. He walked round her,
smelled her clothes, seeming to fear they were still
damp, then licked her hands and face, wagging his tail,
giving short, joyful barks, and trying, as well as he
knew how, to show her his delight at having had it in
his power to save her life as a return for all her care
of him."

During the weeks which followed, Fred and his sister talked much of
the noble dog and his grateful friend Inez. They thought Inez' mother
could not be grateful enough to the affectionate creature, and made
many plans respecting the way they would show their gratitude if they
were in her place.

Fred said, "I would build a beautiful dog-house with a top like one of
the heathen temples, and have an account of Caesar's heroism printed in
large letters on a signboard over the front." But Hatty thought that
Caesar would better appreciate good care, plenty of meat, and Inez'
fond caresses.

"I am glad you feel so," remarked Mrs. Carleton. "It was a noble act
in the dog, though I suppose he ran no great risk of losing his own
life. Dogs, especially of the St. Bernard breed, are quite at home in
the water. But, Fred, can you think of any man who not only risked his
life, but freely gave it up for yours?"

Fred's eyes dropped to the floor as he answered,--

"Yes, mo