The collie was far astern; but, rising on the crest of a wave, Nick could see him, and barked joyously.
It was a sight to see that boat leave the vessel’s side, and to mark the stern-set faces of her brave British crew. They were only going to save a dog! Is that what you say, my gentle boy reader? All the more honour to them for risking their lives in the cause.
They found the dogs at last, the Newfoundland with his head turned shipward, the collie resting his fore-paws on his strong shoulders.
And when the boat was hoisted, at last, and the lifeboat men, the gallant dog, and rescued collie, oh, then, I say you ought to have been on board to listen to the wild cheering, and to see the men crowding forward to caress the beautiful Nick.
CHAPTER IX
WITH HOBSON ON THE “MERRIMAC”—THE STORY THAT CURTIS TOLD
Both Curtis and Ingomar were capital story-tellers or “yarn spinners,” and the tales they told the boys helped to while away the time on many a forenight which might otherwise have felt long. I give the following as specimen; it was told by Curtis:—
“I liked Jack Hardy from the very first day I clapped eyes on him. Had I got that lad into the British Navy, I should have been proud to have seen him among his pals drawn up for inspection on the flagship’s deck, first Sunday after entering. But this young Jack was an American Jack, and his ship was the bold Iowa, on which my hammock was hung pro temp., and the time was very shortly after the capitulation or capture of Santiago, and destruction of the fleet of Cervera.
“The American-Spanish War didn’t last long enough to please me, but it did rip and rattle and roar in Cuba and all around the island after the first ship spat angry fire. You shall earn my eternal gratitude, boys, if you bring any one up with a round turn who dares call it ‘a little war.’ I tell you what it is, the book isn’t written yet that shall describe one-half the gallant deeds done by our brave cousins, on land and at sea, during those brief summer months of eighteen hundred and ninety-eight.
“‘The Spaniards never had a chance,’ some may tell you.
“But the Spaniards had, and Admiral Cervera had also; and if his gunners had been smart and good, and with some degree of dash and go about them then, with his splendid ships he might have done wonders, and the war might still be raging.