Bulger, lashed to the rigging by my side, uttered no plaint, no cry of fear, no sound of distrust.
I could see that his speaking eyes were following me about as much as to say:
“I am not afraid, little master, so long as you are by me.”
I could feel my heart thump out a loud “thank thee, dear, faithful, little friend!”
From time to time I passed my hand caressingly over his head and neck.
His tail moved sadly, but I knew its meaning.
It meant:
“Little master, I am ready to die; ay, most willing to die, if I can die with you by my side.”
It really seemed as if his love was about to be put to a final test for the dreadful cry of—“Breakers ahead!” was passed from man to man till it reached my ears.
It was only too true.