been able to get half the things up - they are too heavy for one
person. I think we shall do pretty well now, Mr. Seagrave; and we had
better, before it is dark, get all the animals on shore. I don't much
like to trust them to swim on shore, but they are awkward things in a
boat. We'll try a pig, at all events; and while I get one up, do you
and William tie the legs of the fowls, and put them into the boat; as
for the cow, she cannot be brought on shore, she is still lying down,
and, I expect, won't get up again any more; however, I have given her
plenty of hay, and if she don't rise, why I will kill her, and we can
salt her down."

Ready went below, and the squealing of the pig was soon heard; he came
on deck with it hanging over his back by the hind legs, and threw it
into the sea over the gunnel: the pig floundered at first; but after a
few seconds, turned its head away from the ship and swam for the shore.

"He goes ashore straight enough," said Ready, who, with Mr. Seagrave
and William, was watching the animal; but a minute afterwards, Ready
exclaimed:

"I thought as much - we've lost him!"

"How?" replied Mr. Seagrave.

"D'ye see that black thing above water pushing so fast to the animal? -
that's the back fin of a shark, and he will have the poor thing -
there, he's got him!" said Ready, as the pig disappeared under the
water with a heavy splash. "Well, he's gone; better the pig than your
little children, Mr. Seagrave."