From that day Bim, or "U-Bim," as he was sometimes called, had so
thrived under good feeding, kind care, and judicious training that when
he started with his master to voyage down the great river he was as
fine a specimen of a full-blooded bull-dog as could be found in the
country. He was pure white, bow-legged, and broad-chested. His upper
lip was drawn slightly back, so as to display his teeth; but this
expression of ferocity was relieved by the almost human intelligence of
his eyes. He was absolutely fearless, but as loving and gentle as he
was brave. He understood every word spoken within his hearing, and his
master declared that for his wisdom he ought to be named "Solomon." He
never made an unprovoked assault upon a living creature, and would
stand any amount of abuse from children or those weaker than himself.
Let an indignity be offered to his beloved master in his presence,
though, and his fury was as terrible as that of a young lion. Then woe
to the unfortunate in whose flesh those gleaming teeth were once
fastened. From the vise-like grip of the powerful jaws behind them
nothing but death or Billy Brackett's command could effect a release.
Such were the occupants of the skiff that soon after dusk shot out from
the mouth of the Caspar Creek on the broad bosom of the great river.
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