distance. Gradually this distance
shortened, however, and he finally ventured close under the boat's
stern, and within about three feet of the pork.

I kept the gun levelled at him, aiming at his eye; and now, having him
so close, and so directly under me, I thought there was little fear of
the bullet being diverted from its proper direction by the water, so I
fired.

The lead sped true; the blood spirted from the creature's eye, and with
a tremendous spring he threw himself backward, only to roll over on his
back with a convulsive writhe or two ere he floated motionless and dead.

"So much for bullyin' honest seamen when they has the misfortin' to walk
overboard," observed Bob, eyeing the carcase with much complacency. "I
shall feel more comfortable like, now I knows as _your_ cruise is over
for good and all."

"Walk overboard, Bob!" exclaimed I. "You surely do not mean to say you
_walked_ overboard?"

"'Twas little else, my lad. But I'll tell ye all about it whilst we're
getting our breakfast stowed under hatches; for I'll be bound you're
longing to hear the rights of the story."

"That indeed I am, old fellow; so come along below, and let us get the
yarn and our breakfasts at once; I am longing for both."

Having taken a look all round, to see that nothing was in sight, we went
below and seated ourselves at the cabin-table, and Bob forthwith
proceeded with his story.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

BOB'S DREAM.

"You'll maybe remember," commenced Bob, "that when I came upon deck last
night to take my watch, I mentioned that I was glad enough to be out of
my hammock, and away from the tormentin' dreams I'd had of that--
sarpent!

"Well, and I was too--I felt better and calmer like the minute I set
foot upon the deck; and, as soon as you was gone below, I makes myself
comfortable in the chair," (a low deck-chair in which we used frequently
to sit whilst steering), "takes the tiller-rope in my hand, sets the
little craft's course by a star, and starts thinking how pleased the
skipper will be when he sees his son and his old mate turning up some
fine morning at the anchorage which, I doubt not, lies just under his
parlour window.

"I got thinking and thinking, until it seemed to me as I could see the
`old man' as plain as I can see you now, coming down between the trees,
with his hand held out, and his face all smiling and joyful like, and I
steps forward to give him a hearty shake of the fin, when all of a
sud