A FRIEND IN NEED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 4 (Supplement)

A FRIEND IN NEED.

Jack Burke was the son of n wealthy Australian, who at the age of 18, was on his way to visit a relation, in Eng land. His comrade Hal Trevor, who was one year his junior, was travelling with him.

I One fine evening, when only the rhythmic thug of the propeller broke the stillness, the two friends stood on deck talking, when suddenly, without warning I the captain's pet monkey landed heavily jon Hal's shoulder. Instinctively he raised his hands, and the animal to avoid : chastisement, gripped his wrists, and the next moment Hal was overboard. His . friend was not slow to act. With a | bound he gainod the place so lately occu- | pied by his chum, and seized his ankle. But before he could make sure of his grasp, the shoe was wrenched from HaP> foot, and the next instant a heavy splash told him that hi.s unfortunate friend had struck the water.

Raising a shout of " Man overboard," he seized a lifebuoy and unhesitatingly leapt over the side. When he reappeared he looked round for Hal. " This way, old man." veiled .Jack, p.acing h.s hand upon the lifebuoy, and striking out to ward his friend. As Jack was a power ful swimmer, he soon reached Hal

Hearing the shout, one of the men on deck, seeing the two struggling figures in the water, raised the alarm and a boat was quickly lowered. Meanwhile Jack had great difliculty in keeping Hal's head above water, as he was fast becoming numbed. Suddenly a sp! ish in the water caused him to look round As he did so a thri'

of horror swept, over him. Cleaving the water was the fin of a huge shark. In a moment all sense of tiredness left him. He noticed that the monster was making straight for Hal, whose yell of terror told him that his chum was also aware of the peril. The Australian whipped out his keen bladed knife, and taking a deep breath, dived beneath the huge pale-green body. The keen blade gashed the skin, but not before a scream from Hal told birn that he had been bitten.

By this time the boat had 'reached them. Coming to the surface again Jack saw that Hal was being helped into the boat. Soon helping hands had him to safety also. Hal was soon made comfortable aboard tho ship, and although his • wound was not serious, he was suffering terribly from shock.

Jack was soon himself again, and made light of his brave deed, but Hal never forgot how his brave friend, at the risk of his life, faoed the monster of the deep* —By Jean Moir. Howick, Auckland.