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London, Jack

"The Sea-Wolf"

Without shame, I confess that it was I that turned tail and footed it. He ran awkwardly, but he ran well. He was but two paces behind when I tumbled into the boat, and as I shoved off with an oar his teeth crunched down upon the blade. The stout wood was crushed like an egg-shell. Maud and I were astounded. A moment later he had dived under the boat, seized the keel in his mouth, and was shaking the boat violently.


? ? ? ? 'My!' said Maud. 'Let's go back.'


? ? ? ? I shook my head. 'I can do what other men have done, and I know that other men have clubbed seals. But I think I'll leave the bulls alone next time.


? ? ? ? 'I wish you wouldn't,' she said.


? ? ? ? 'Now don't say, "Please, please,"' I cried, half angrily, I do believe.


? ? ? ? She made no reply, and I knew my tone must have hurt her.


? ? ? ? 'I beg your pardon,' I said, or shouted, rather, in order to make myself heard above the roar of the rookery. 'If you say so, I'll turn and go back; but honestly, I'd rather stay.


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