The Priceless Dog

　　A lady was going by steamer from a city to another in America. On board with her were her baby boy and a maid. The maid was carrying the child in her arms.
　　As the steamer came near to the landing-place, it began to slacken speed. The maid walked to the side of the vessel to look over, when all at once the child sprang out of her arms, and fell into the water below. The swift stream carried it quickly away.
　　The mother was nearly wild with grief and fear. The sailors began to lower a boat. But everyone could see that the child would be drowned before the boat could reach it. What was to be done?
　　Among the people on board was a gentleman who had been quietly reading in another part of the steamer. Hearing the cries of the mother, he came quickly forward and said, "Can you give me something the child has worn?"
　　The maid gave him a tiny apron, which had been left in her hands as she tried to save the child from falling. The gentleman turned to a fine Newfoundland dog that stood near, looking up into his face. He pointed first to the apron, and then to the spot where the child had sunk.
　　In an instant the noble dog sprang into the river. You can think how everyone on board felt! Would the dog reach the child in time to save its life? Soon the dog was seen far away with something in his mouth. Bravely he swam against the strong stream, but it was feared that his strength would soon give way. More than one on board cried for joy as the boat reached him and the sailors drew child and dog from the water.
　　When they were brought on board the steamer, the mother went first to her little boy to see that he was alive. Then she rushed forward, and throwing her arms round the dog's neck, burst into tears. She kissed his shaggy head, and said to his owner, "Oh, sir; I must have this dog! I will give anything for the dog that has saved my darling's life!"
　　The gentleman smiled, and patted his dog's head, as he said: "I am very glad, madam, that Hector has been of service to you; but I would not part with him for anything in the world."
　　The dog looked as if he knew that they were talking about himself. He gave his sides a shake, and lay down at his master's feet, with a look in his big eyes that seemed to say, "No, master, nothing shall part us!"

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