Canine Castaways

Canine Castaways

Chapter 1
Two Chums Shipwrecked
    Jawbreaker and Nibbles had been shipmates for more than a few years. During those years they had encountered many a travesty. However, now they were challenged by a situation that would truly test their tenacity. Today, they found themselves shipwrecked and alone on a forbidden island.  Their ship had gone down with all hands during a violent storm. The two dogs swam ashore shortly after their ship went down. They were at a loss as to how this condition would play out. It had been a violent storm and the two friends were both suffering from minor wounds. Jawbreaker was sore from nose to tail. Nibbles on the other had suffered with what appeared to be a sprained hip. Unfortunately for the pair they were left to their own resources for their rescue and healing. Their first thought was to find protection where they could dry out and gain some awareness of their surroundings. Agonizingly they made their way toward the inland where they found some shelter in a small grove of trees. There Jawbreaker and Nibbles lay down and immediately slunk into a sound snooze.
  The forsaken canines slept fitfully that night. Both were damaged. Neither had eaten as much as a morsel of food for the last 36 hours. Nibbles and Jawbreaker entertained nightmares as they slept fitfully that night.
    They awoke the next morning to a beautiful sunny day. The two dogs were tough enough to deal with the pain. They were both hungry and they began searching for food and fresh water. It appeared that they had shipwrecked on a fairly small island. As they searched for food and water they found no evidence of any of their shipmates or parts of their ship for that matter.
    The pair continued walking down the shoreline. It was their good fortune as they found some good fish laying just that the brook of water is rushing ashore. It did not take either one long to completely consume the free meal. They decided to search further inland for a source of fresh water. They walked a short while, toward the inland, and lo and behold, they found a small pond. It was a beautiful area. It was surrounded by large palm trees and various other forms of plant life. They even found a small cave just beyond the pond. It was there both dogs lay down to take a nap.
    This period of sleep found both Jawbreaker and Nibbles dreaming about the unfortunate storm and break up of their ship. It was hard for them to believe that they had lost all their friends and the entire ship. Here they were now alone and on what appeared to be a desolate and isolated island.
    The two dogs awoke and they immediately began a further search of their surroundings. They had been fortunate enough to find fresh water and a good place of shelter. They needed to find out if there were going to be any other food sources other than fish. Onward they trudged toward the innermost part of the island. 
 
Chapter 2
Two Companions and Friends
    Jawbreaker and Nibbles had become friends just a few short years ago. They had met in the back alleys of the small fishing village. At the time they were both scrounging for food in trash cans behind restaurants and bars in the village. Upon their first meeting they were a bit apprehensive of each other. At that particular time they looked upon each other as opponents in their search for food to sustain their lives. However, due to the fact that Jawbreaker was much larger than poor little Nibbles. It didn't take long however for them to form a very strong friendship.
Over the next few months they patrolled the back streets and alleys day and night together. They were quite a pair to see. Jawbreaker was a massive mixed breed dog. He stood some 40 inches at the front shoulders. At the time he probably weighed 150 pounds. His coat was a medium length and rather scruffy at all times. He had keen black eyes. They were always on the lookout for either a meal or a good tussle. He loved his scrap with other dogs. So far he had incurred few injuries for all of his various battles. He'd been on his own for as long as he could remember. He also possessed a long bushy tail. Most of the time his tail was in constant motion. However, it stiffened straight from his body when he became aware of any danger. His teeth were not unusually large for such a big dog. They could be very intimidating when he rotated his lips back in preparation for combat. As near as he could tell he had been on his own since being removed from his littermates. He loved folks and the affection that most imparted to him. Over time he had become hesitant to become friendly to human beings.
His friend Nibbles was the complete opposite of Jawbreaker. Nibbles was a very small dog. He was black and white in color and his coat was very shiny. He was the more outgoing of the two canines. He loved people. He had learned to become more suspicious of humans as he and Jawbreaker had developed a relationship.
Just a few short months after the pair had become companions they were taken in by a pair of sailors. It was a great relationship for the dogs. The sailors treated them as very special pets. They provided good meals and fresh water for the dogs on a daily basis. At one time the sailors had discussed what they would do with the dogs once they signed on with a new ship. They had the good fortune to sign on a whaler that permitted them to bring the dogs aboard ship. Once aboard ship the dogs quickly became accustomed to life on the high sea.

Chapter 3
Jawbreaker and Nibbles Search

    It was their third day on the isolated isle. Jawbreaker and Nibbles had been fortunate thus far. They had found food, shelter and fresh water. Both felt they were healed from the injuries. The bosom buddies knew they would have to explore the island further to sustain their existence. Today Jawbreaker and Nibbles decided that they would circumnavigate the entire island. This would depend wholly on how large of island that they had landed upon. As they started their tour of the island they welcomed the fresh sea breezes. They happily greeted by the fragrant odors of various forms of plants and flowers. The beach they were traversing was that of white sand. They listened to sea breezes, the sounds of rushing water, tree leaves fluttering and several different bird calls.

         As they trudged on, they continually gazed out to sea. To their repeated disappointment, they saw nothing but a titanic ocean. The white sand as they were walking on was of a very fine granule. As they looked inward on their journey the landmass appeared to be covered with all different forms of botanic life. They would investigate the interior of the atoll once they had gone around the entire perimeter of this isle.

The persistent fragrance of flowers and foliage seemed to make Jawbreaker and Nibbles ravenous. Their next move would be to do a little hunting for a morning meal.

         While aboard ship the two dogs had been fed everything from leftover snippets, old rations, some fruit, and even some tubers. To this extent, they felt secure that they would be able to sustain themselves by what plants the island provided. Hopefully, they would find small game and enjoy a meat laden meal on occasion. The dogs sniffed the air with their keen noses. They were hungry and they anticipated a good meal on this morning. It was not long before Nibbles caught the scent of what he thought might be their next meal. Nibbles lowered his head and headed in the direction from which the odor had touched his nose. Jawbreaker was close at his heels. Hopefully they were on the trail of what would be their morning meal. They headed toward the interior of the island. As luck would have it Nibbles spied a small four-legged furry critter in the brush. He and Jawbreaker looked at each other as if they were communicating. In the past they had hunted together. Today was no different. The bottom line, they would have to make a kill if they were to have fresh meat this day.

         They began the chase as soon as the critter spied them. He took off for the deep underbrush. Nibbles was in hot pursuit. Jawbreaker took a different path to flank their escaping prey. To their good fortune, his ploy worked. Nibbles drove the small beast directly into the waiting jaws of his hunting companion. The prey suffered a quick and somewhat painless death. Nibbles arrived shortly at the death scene. The two dogs began to feast on their catch.


Chapter 4
The Canine Castaways are Boared
The mongrels awakened to a gorgeous morning. Several days had passed since the two canines had become isolated on the small island. One day was pretty much like another. They seemed to be continually surrounded by sea breezes that brought the fragrant odors of the abundant plant life to their keen noses. The weather was pretty much the same each and every day. Maybe once a week they would get a light rain. This helps settle the dust. To this point they had not finished their exploration of the island's interior.
         Today that would all change. They decided to spend the entire day searching across the island's surface. Back and forth back and forth Jawbreaker and Nibbles scoured the small island. Once in a while the dogs would pick up a scent that was unfamiliar to both of them. It was a strong odor. However, it never seemed to stay in the same place. The two dogs felt strongly that the odor was coming from a living animal. They had not seen anything but they felt a living presence was not far away.
         They continued their search. At that moment they came into a small clearing. They appeared to be near the middle of the island. It was here they came face-to-face with the animals that were giving off the strong odor. To their surprise it was a herd of wild hogs. There must have been 10 or 12 of the rambunctious beasts. Standing at the front of the small herd was an enormous boar hog. He appeared to be every bit as big as or bigger than Jawbreaker. He was a dark greyish in color. His eyes were narrow and black as coal. His vicious mouth, displayed two huge tusks. He was not at all frightened by Jawbreaker or Nibbles. At the moment he appeared to be posturing to make a charge at both dogs.
         Jawbreaker and Nibbles both knew the brouhaha was about to begin. The old boar was pawing at the dirt. The rest of his herd formed a semicircle behind him. All of the hogs were facing the two canines. In a heartbeat, the boar made his first pass at Jawbreaker and Nibbles. The dogs separated from each other. They knew the fight was on. By separating it made it impossible for the old boar to hit both dogs on a single pass. Nibbles scampered away to safety. He was not so far away that he could not help Jawbreaker if needed. Jawbreaker was a marvel to watch; he easily avoided contact with the old hog. The boar made several more passes. He was having no luck at hitting Jawbreaker. On the next pass he just nicked Jawbreakers front shoulder. Then unknown to the boar Jawbreaker was measuring the wild boar. The next pass Jawbreaker sprang at the boar. His massive jaws clamped on the hog's throat. The hog let out a piercing squeal. Jawbreaker tightened his grip. But by the grace of God, Jawbreaker would have killed that boar; however, he released his grip. Instantly, the boar ran off, trailed by his small herd trailed. The battle was over. Jawbreaker had won this battle. In his mind he knew the old boar would now be his constant enemy. Jawbreaker had received a small gash on his front shoulder. It was painful, but he knew it would heal in time. Nibbles rejoined Jawbreaker. In his way he let Jawbreaker know he was very proud of his canine friend.


Chapter 5
Night of the Man Eaters

Jawbreaker healed rather quickly. His alone was more painful than it was extensive. The days passed and the two canine companions spent much of their time roaming around the island. They were both amazed by all beautiful plants that surrounded them. There were also many different kinds of birds. Not a day went by that they did not see a widespread variety of bird life. One day was pretty much like another. Often during the heat of the day the two dogs would enjoy a cool bath in the nearby pond.
         At night the two lay on the beach and gazed at the moon for hours. It was just one of those relaxing nights that they heard strange sounds coming from the far side of the island. They decided it was time to investigate. They headed toward the sounds at a quick pace. Their pace slowed the closer they got to where the sounds were coming from. Ever so slowly they crept to the edge of the underbrush. All at once they stop short. From where they were hidden, they observed a large fire blazing on the sand. Surrounding the fire were several black natives. Beyond the fire there were two other natives beating on large drums. Next to them there were two other natives that were bound by their hands and feet. As the two savages beat the drums the rest of the group danced and delivered screams as they circled the fire. Jawbreaker and Nibbles looked at each other. They did not have a clue as to what was going on.          
         The two dogs were fascinated by what they observed. Yet, they were not about to give away their presence. It seemed like hours that they watched the savages carrying on around the fire. Just as Jawbreaker and Nibbles had decided to return to their part of the island the dancing, the screaming and the drumbeating abruptly ceased. The two natives that were bound were brought near the fire. They were instantly executed. Their bodies were dismembered and thrown on the fire. Jawbreaker and Nibbles realized at that moment the savages were going to eat the two men they had just killed. They watched for a short time and then quietly snuck away unnoticed by the savages. The two dogs made a pact that night. They promised they would be ever vigilant and on the watch for these man-eating savages.
         Off they went to their own campsite. They both knew that night they would not sleep very peacefully. They had been horrified by what they had seen that evening. They had been around long enough to know that human beings could be very unpredictable. Onboard ship they had seen several fights break out among shipmates. They had seen men beat each other. They had even seen one or two men get stabbed. They had never seen anyone killed in a skirmish. What is more they had never seen humans consume human flesh. They knew if they were discovered by the savages their lives would abruptly ended in a horrific manner.


Chapter 6
Day to Day Living on the Island

         Days came and went for Jawbreaker and Nibbles. They seemed to be happy with their present living conditions. They had abundant food, fresh water was available and the weather was moderate most of the time. By this time, they had explored nearly every square foot of the island. The only drawback at this point was where they currently slept. Whether it be day or night, when it rained they always had to scramble for shelter. The broad leaves of the trees and underbrush were their only protection from the elements. This day, they decided to find a permanent shelter for their camp.
         Several days earlier they had passed by a few hilly ridges. These were located near the middle of the island. They made up their minds to return to those ridges. They would have to make a closer inspection. Fortunately for the two dogs the area was not far from where they spent most of their time. They approached the area with some caution. They were aware that the herd of wild pigs was always moving. Neither dog wanted to face another confrontation with that old surly boar.
         They edged up the ridge cautiously. They reached the top of the ridge; it was their good fortune to find a rather large cave. The cave appeared to be just what they were looking for. It was high and dry. From the mouth of the cave they could see across the vast ocean that lay beyond the shoreline. The cave was somewhat secluded. It was not easily seen from down below the ridge. Jawbreaker and Nibbles were very happy with their good fortune. It would be this cave that would become their permanent camp.
         They spent some time investigating the interior of the cave. It did not appear to them that anything or anyone had ever lived or spent time within its walls. Jawbreaker and Nibbles set about cleaning the cave. They had to move several rocks. They scratched around in the dirt to level it out for their floor. They lined the cave floor with some large tree branches for bedding. On one of their trips they even found another fresh water supply. This also pleased the two dogs. Once they were satisfied with their work the two partners, curled up on fresh beds and took a nice long nap. Life for Jawbreaker and Nibbles seemed to be going along fine. They did miss the companionship and company of their old shipmates who had been lost at sea.
         Each day the two dogs spent time at the shoreline looking out across the vast expanse of water. Both dogs wondered if they would ever return to the land where there were regular people, homes, shops and large houses. Jawbreaker and Nibbles yearned for that life on the sea and regular trips to the city following long voyages. Each night as they slept, both dreamed that they were rescued and returned home with new shipmates. Each felt it was a blessing to have a companion while they were lost on this island.


Chapter7
A Chance to Escape the Island

Several months had passed by now. Jawbreaker and Nibbles had drifted into a daily routine. They enjoyed several pursuits from sun up to sun down. Each day they would rise just before the sun broke the horizon. Both dogs would sit on the beach and enjoy the colors projected by the sun into the sky projected at this time of day. Once the sun was up they would begin the journey. They enjoyed circling the island ever watchful of the ocean's broad expanse. They were ever hopeful that one day they would be rescued.
         Having circled the island their day was more than half consumed. Often they would forage for food. This included wild game, fruits and vegetables. There always seem to be an abundance of food resources. For this fact, they were eternally grateful. They were also happy that their encounters with the wild boar and his herd were few and far between. The old boar seemed to have a wary respect for Jawbreaker and Nibbles. Unknown to the boar the two dogs held that old pig in a high regard.
         Once evening fell the two isolated companions went to their secluded cave. It was there each evening the two dogs would lie and gaze at the multitude of stars in the heavens. Life was good to these two old salts. They never argued with one another. They never fought over food. They enjoyed their companionship. It was a partnership made in heaven.
         One morning just after dawn, Nibbles sighted the large sails of a ship in the distance. He encouraged Jawbreaker to sit with him and watch as the ship sailed toward their island. The closer the ship got to them the more each dog anticipated the rescue. As the ship came within a mile or two of the island the two canines became aware of a black flag waving from the ship's masthead. To their disappointment the flag was displaying the skull and cross bones of a pirate ship. They looked at each other as if to ask, what should we do now. While aboard ship the two dogs had learned about pirates and pirate ships. None of what they remembered was good. They decided to remain out of view, if the ship decided to drop anchor.
         Sure enough, the ship came to a halt. A dinghy was dropped over the side. It was manned by six devilish looking thugs. The rowed toward shore very quickly. When the boat drug sand all aboard jumped out and pulled the dinghy onto the shore. Jawbreaker and Nibbles took note that the dinghy held two enormous chests. The pirates lifted the chests and headed into the bush. Unknown to the pirates Jawbreaker and Nibbles followed undetected. They had gone far and they came to a halt. They said the two large chests upon the ground. One scruffy old pirate, who appeared to be the leader, looked around. He seemed to be gazing as far as he could see. The pirates had stopped their trek to the base of a ridge. It was there the remaining pirates began to dig a large hole. It was not deep but large enough to hold the two chests. They placed the chests in the hole and covered both of them immediately with sand. Following this one pirate took coconut tree frond and swept over the area, which held the chests. The task completed the pirates headed for the beach. They entered the dinghy and headed straight for the anchored ship. Once aboard ship, the anchor was raised and the ship sailed away. Jawbreaker and Nibbles still in seclusion, waited until the ship appeared as but a speck on the horizon. They cautiously approached the area where they had watched the shabby pirates bury the two chests.

Chapter 8
Days are Long and Challenging

Over the course of six months Jawbreaker and Nibbles had led quite an exciting life. First, they had been shipwrecked and isolated on an island. Next came the confrontation with the herd of wild hogs. Jawbreaker was the only dog to sustain injury. It was a minor wound, but in fact, both dogs became quite attentive to their surroundings following the confrontation. It was but a few weeks later that the two dogs became aware of the headhunters. It seemed that the tribe of man eating savages visited the island periodically. This circumstance made the two dogs keenly aware that they were not always alone on this island. To their knowledge the dogs were aware of the savages visiting the isle every now and then. They were ever vigilant for the periodic visits by the savages. Next was the visitation by shipload pirates. They also visited this island on an infrequent basis. Their visits were to bury treasure on the interior of the island. To date the pirates had visited the island seven or eight times. Each time they brought with them, chests to be buried near their previous deposits. After one of the visits by the pirates, Nibbles took it upon himself to dig up one of the very chests. It took him a little while, but he persisted until he uncovered one of the chests. With Jawbreaker's help, they opened the chest. To their surprise he discovered the chest was filled with gold coins, various gems and various other items of gold and silver.
         Jawbreaker and Nibbles, as usual, spent their days circling the island. As they traveled they were constantly looking out to sea. Each was hoping that someday they would be rescued. For months they had made the best of their living conditions. They were indeed fortunate as they had ample fresh water and food supplies to sustain them while they were on the island. They enjoyed each other’s company. However, they both realized that they were lonely for human company. Both dogs missed wandering through the streets of the town. They enjoyed searching through the trash and scrounging for meals. They also missed the life aboard ship. They missed their old shipmates terribly. They remembered how well they were treated by each and every sailor aboard ship. Those were the days that they remembered most fondly. They promised each other they would never give up hope for rescue. Each knew there was a good chance they would spend the rest of their days on this isolated island.
         Neither dog was sad about their situation. Each day they hoped for the best. Fortunately for them the weather was always a moderate temperature. Rain fell periodically. It was never too much or too little. When they were really bored they chased the birds as well as some four-footed critters on the island. They even chased each other back and forth on the beach. They went for a swim when it became too hot. They took naps daily. At night they gazed at the stars and relished the succulent fragrances of the flowers.



Chapter 9
  Ships Come and Go
                                                                                                                                                               
         The island was be subjected to daily rains. It appeared to the two dogs that they were in the rainy season. One day was pretty much like another. Water was readily available, there was plenty to eat and their existence was hassle-free and laid back. Luckily for the two dogs, they never had another confrontation with the old boar and his herd. It seemed to the dogs their existence with the hogs was one of mutual respect.
         Once a month Jawbreaker and Nibbles were aware that the man eating savages landed on the island. They continued to celebrate their rituals around the fire. Their celebrations came to an end when they slew and consumed their prisoners. The dogs were not quite sure what would happen if the savages detected them. They were not about to take a chance at this point in time. Always on the lookout, the two dogs kept their distance from the lowly savages.
         The scruffy pirate visits were not quite as often as those of the savages. However, they never came to shore empty-handed. On each visit they brought with them anywhere from 2 to 4 large chests. They would visit the same area that they had previously buried their chests. It was there they would dig more holes and bury their current booty. By this time it appeared to the two dogs that the pirates had buried something over 20 different chests. Each time before leaving the pirates would sweep the area where they had buried all the chests. They always made sure that they left their buried treasure hidden from the naked eye.
         Over the past few months Jawbreaker and Nibbles had seen ships in the distance. They never seemed interested in this small island that they were now occupying. Occasionally, a ship would come within a mile or two of the island. Yet, they never set anchor nor did anyone come ashore. Both dogs were greatly disappointed. Each day they craved for human attention and affection. They were truly melancholy. They yearned for not only life aboard ship but, also for a home on solid ground surrounded by people.
         Their condition was about to change drastically this morning. Jawbreaker and Nibbles were on one of their daily walks. They decided to go to the highest ground on the island. They studied the ocean and enjoyed the succulent fragrance of the ever abundant flowers. Way off in the distance Nibbles thought he saw a ship. He began to prance a bit just to let Jawbreaker know that he had seen something. It was not long before Jawbreaker also saw the ship. To their amazement and happiness to ship appeared to be heading straight for the island. Little by little, the huge ship came onward toward the island. Sure enough as it got close to the island the sails were dropped and the anchor was set. Next, a dinghy was lowered over the side of the ship. 10 or 12 men entered the dinghy. They began rowing toward the shore. To all outward appearances, the dogs seemed to think that this ship brought friendly passengers to their island. The ship's flag was red with stars and bars. The two canines could hardly restrain their excitement.


Chapter 10
Conflict is Followed by Struggle

Today Jawbreaker and Nibbles were in for the surprise of surprises. Just yesterday the British ship HMS Assurance had dropped anchor just off the shore of the island. The dinghy had rowed ashore with some 10 or 12 sailors aboard. They had spent the day looking around the island. For some unknown reason they had spent the night on the shore of the island. After eating breakfast the sailors appeared to be loading the dinghy to head back to the ship lying in anchor just off the shore.
         Just as the sailors boarded the dinghy a pirate ship appeared out of nowhere. Deck guns began blazing back-and-forth between the two ships. The men aboard the dinghy rowed deftly back into shore. What weapons they had, they seized and headed inland. The two ships battled back-and-forth for what seemed like hours. All the time Jawbreaker and Nibbles were watching the action from a perch not too far from their cave. They were at a loss as to which side to root for. They did not trust the Pirates. Yet, they did not know how friendly the sailors aboard the British ship would be to them. The canon blasted back and forth from each ship. Both ships were sustaining damage. For a time it looked like it might be a standoff. In the blink of an eye the pirate ship turned tail and headed out to sea. They had had enough of the battle. They knew there would be another day to resume the confrontation.
         Several men on board the British ship had been injured. They were being cared for by the ship's doctor. Carefully they watched the pirate ship sail off toward the horizon. It had been a brutal battle between the two ships. The British ship had sustained some damage, but not near as much as the pirate vessel. The crew hastily cleared the deck of the British ship, of all debris left from the battle. It was no time at all before the warship was ready to make sail. All that was left now was to wait for the return of the dinghy and the men who had sailed to the island.
         The crew of men on the island had been helpless as the two huge ships had staged their battle. Now, as they gazed toward their ship they realized that it was safe to return to their ship. Little did the crew know they were being observed by the man eating savages. The savages were making a daytime visit to the island. They had heard the roar of the canons and had come to see what was causing the noise. While the battle at sea was raging the savages remained hidden in the bushes. Once the roar of the canons ceased the savages were ready to seize the opportunity to capture the sailors who were on the shore. It was but an instant, and they attacked the sailors who were attempting to push their dinghy into the water.

Chapter 11
Rescue is at Hand

         The barbarians quickly realized that the sailors on the beach were few in numbers. They also saw that the big ship floating in the ocean was too far away to offer any support at all. The savages were gradually building their courage. They were screaming and shouting at the beached sailors. It was evident they were preparing for a charge. Step-by-step the crowd of man eaters headed toward the isolated sailors. The canon blasts became more frequent and louder. They were waving spears and swords in the air. It appeared that the sailors would not be long for this world.
         The ruffians began to quicken the pace toward the beach. It was inevitable that they would attack the sailors. From out of nowhere came Jawbreaker and Nibbles. They were howling and barking. They took up a stance staring directly at the savages. Their position was in between the sailors on the beach and the wild savages coming from the underbrush. Both dogs took a very staunch posture. They pawed and clawed at the sand. The dogs began howling at the top of their voices. The savages froze in their tracks. They were unable to grasp what to do next. Jawbreaker and Nibbles lowered their heads and began to march their way toward the stupefied savages.
         Caught completely off guard the brutes were in total surprise at the change of events. In an instant the entire mob of savages turned tail. They headed deep into the underbrush. The sailors on the beach moved toward the dogs hoping to support their efforts. By this time another dinghy had been dropped overboard from the big ship. It was hurriedly being rowed toward the shore. They came none too early. It seemed as if the two dogs had changed the entire situation for those sailors on the shore. This was much to their satisfaction.
         As the second dinghy reached the shore, an officer from the ship jumped quickly to the beach. His squad of men quickly beached their boat and came to the rescue of both the men and dogs on the beach. Several of the sailors were carrying muskets. They had come prepared to defend their fellow sailors. Jawbreaker and Nibbles did an about-face to look in the direction of the group of sailors gathered on that beach. Everything happened so quickly they were now at loss as to what or how to react.
         Just about that time, a young sailor from the second dinghy walked toward the dogs and shouted," Jawbreaker, Nibbles. Do you remember me?" He came closer and closer to the dogs. He raised a hand in friendly fashion, as if to beckon both dogs. Jawbreaker and Nibbles stared for just a moment. Both of them or trying to remember who this sailor was and if they were familiar with that voice. Sure enough, they instantly remembered this sailor. His name was Xurrie. He had been the cabin boy aboard the ship that went down in the storm. They jogged to meet this youthful sailor on the beach. Both dogs and adolescent huddled together to share both their love and affection. It was a sight to remember. This was especially true for the dogs. They knew they had just been rescued.

Chapter 12
Homeward Bound

         The skirmish now over the officer quickly spoke to his men. They were ordered to drag their boats into the water, board the boats and row quickly back to the ship. Unknown to the officer Xurrie had gotten help Jawbreaker and Nibbles aboard his dinghy. He knew he would have some explaining to do. Deep inside he told himself he would worry about that once he got his canine friends aboard HMS Assurance.
         Xurrie kept his canine friends below decks until the sun had set. He made sure that Jawbreaker and Nibbles were fed some leftovers from the evening chow. He also made sure that his long-lost friends received plenty of fresh water. Both dogs gorged themselves with the morsels left from the sailor’s supper. They enjoyed the fresh water that they were given. It was now time for Jawbreaker and Nibbles to reacquaint themselves with Xurrie.
         They had sailed with Xurrie aboard the HMS Alliance for about two years. This of course had taken place before their shipwreck. At the time HMS Alliance went down with what appeared to be all hands Jawbreaker and Nibbles had been cast overboard. Fortunately for the two dogs they had made their way to the small island. The two castaways had been able to climb aboard a large piece of float sham (floating debris) to keep from drowning. It had been their good fortune to float to the small island. As far as they knew they had been shipwrecked and on the island for the better part of a year.
         That was all behind them now. They had been rescued. They had re-acquainted themselves with Xurrie, a good friend from the past. As they sailed back to England the dogs and Xurrie spent a great deal of time together. Xurrie had since come clean with Captain Blake about the presence of Jawbreaker and Nibbles aboard the ship. To say the least, the captain was very proud of Xurrie. He was in full agreement with Xurrie to let the dogs remain aboard ship until they reached England. Once they reached England, Xurrie would have to make a decision. He would have to find a new home for his long lost friends. Xurrie was more than pleased with the captain's decision.
         As the ship sailed toward England Xurrie, Jawbreaker and Nibbles stood at the fantail of the ship. They watched as the island that had been their home for almost a year gradually disappeared into the horizon. Under his breath Xurrie recited, "God is great, life is good and my friends have been found."