Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No. 743, March 23, 1878

A salty sea‑voyage takes an unexpected turn when a wiry white sheep named Toby is bought aboard the brig Reliance at a tiny Greek port. Far from ordinary, Toby quickly proves his cunning—fending off a half‑bred Newfoundland with daring leaps, stealing grapes from the captain’s snack, and even besting the ship’s cook in a comic showdown over vegetables. His sharp eyes and spry limbs make him the crew’s most unlikely companion, sparking both amusement and bewilderment among the sailors.

As the ship sails toward the Danube, Toby’s bold personality draws everyone’s attention, from the gruff captain who shares his fruit to the restless crew who watch his daring antics. Yet his fierce aversion to dogs sets the stage for a tense encounter when a formidable canine from a neighboring vessel appears, hinting at a clash that could test the limits of the little hero’s fearless spirit. The tale blends nautical adventure with whimsical animal humor, inviting listeners into a world where a sheep can command a deck as surely as any seasoned mariner.