s asleep.

I awoke, conscious that some animal was near me. I felt its breath on
my face, and it had taken my hand in its mouth. I expected the next
moment to have its fangs fixed in my flesh; but still I could not move.
Then I heard a low whimper, followed by a bark. I started up, and
opening my eyes, discovered my faithful dog Caesar, who was endeavouring
to arouse me to consciousness. I returned his caresses as he fawned on
me, finding me not dead as he supposed. It was still dark; but I no
longer dreaded having to wander about by myself; he would prove my guide
and protector. He seemed by his actions to indicate that he wanted me
to get up and follow him. I at once came to the conclusion that my
friends were encamped not far off, and that he would lead me to them. I
was about to strap on the remainder of the venison, when the horrible
smell which proceeded from it showed that it was no longer fit for human
food; though Caesar, who appeared to be very hungry, willingly made a
substantial meal off it, when I gave him leave to take what he wanted.
As I looked round, great was my satisfaction to see, by the warm tints
in the sky, that day was already breaking.

Caesar, having finished his meal, once more bounded on, and then came
back to ascertain that I was doing as he wished. I followed him,
eagerly running forward. He kept along the bank of the stream, which
apparently, in the wet season, spread out over the rocky bottom, now
perfectly dry. On either side grew oleander, acacia, laurel, paw-paw,
and many flowering shrubs; while in the distance, against the sky, I
could see a tall tree scathed by lightning, and leafless.

In vain I looked out for a fire, to indicate the camp of my companions,
when suddenly Caesar, starting forward, gave a loud bark. Hurrying on
after him, I caught sight of a man stretched on the ground, with his
rifle by his side; and, to my great joy, I recognised Tim Flanagan. On
hearing the dog bark, he started up and rushed towards me with
outstretched arms.

"Is it you, Mr. Maurice, yourself?" he exclaimed, as he eagerly took my
hand. "I thought that you had been lost entirely; an' all yesterday,
an' all this night, an' the best part o' last night, too, I've been
huntin' for ye until my legs would carry me no longer; an' I sank down
on the ground, thinkin' if I didn't find you I'd never show my face at
Castle Kearney again. If it hadn't been for Caesar, I never should have
fou