LIMPETTY JACK 305

as well as the best one. But I like my dog Shag too well
to give him up for all the gold of the sea,” and with a
ereat sigh he turned to go away.

“Hold!” he cried, suddenly recollecting something. “TI
did leave behind me, on the great rock in the sea, a most
beautiful boy. I did n’t mind-me to do it; but he would
follow me against my will. So I set him there to keep
him out of sight till I could meet your worship alone as I
was told. Yes, he ’s there

 

a most beautiful boy, your
worship, the son of one Philigan MceDerm—’”

Oh! but you should have seen the monster spring to his
feet, cast off his mask, and tear out of the cave, he and all
the wicked jokers after him! Limpetty Jack ran too, and
now he cared far more for finding poor little Phil than for
all the gold that ever was seen.

The tide had risen fast, and nearly covered the great
rock, and there on the very top, with the water close upon
his tiny feet, stood frightened, screaming little Phil.

It seemed as if the waves—each greater than the one
before it—must throw him off. They rushed into the sea.
It was hard work ;— but Limpetty Jack was first. The
rising waters were knee-high — breast-high—chin-high ;
and all the while the waves were dashing them against
the sharp rocks. The strongest of them drew back dis-
couraged. Then all they could distinguish was Limpetty
Jack’s black head. They had seen the frantic little boy
leap toward it as if Jack had called him, and then Phil
McDermot, who had stood in the waves as if turned into
stone, was thrown violently back upon the shore.

When he opened his eyes, there stood his little son beside
20