For the presence of Tiger I tried in vain to account; and after busying myself with a thousand different conjectures respecting him, was forced to content myself with rejoicing that he was with me to share my dreary solitude, and render me comfort by his caresses.

Most people love their dogs--but for Tiger I had an affection far more ardent than common; and never, certainly, did any creature more truly deserve it.

For seven years he had been my inseparable companion, and in a multitude of instances had given evidence of all the noble qualities for which we value the animal.

I had rescued him, when a puppy, from the clutches of a malignant little villain in Nantucket who was leading him, with a rope around his neck, to the water; and the grown dog repaid the obligation, about three years afterward, by saving me from the bludgeon of a street robber.
Getting now hold of the watch, I found, upon applying it to my ear, that it had again run down; but at this I was not at all surprised, being convinced, from the peculiar state of my feelings, that I had slept, as before, for a very long period of time, how long, it was of course impossible to say.

I was burning up with fever, and my thirst was almost intolerable.