He must encounter and slay a mad dog in single combat.
6.

He must capture a burglar; and 7.

He must interpose his body between the pistol of the assassin and the person of some individual of consequence.
In my researches I had collected a mass of information under each of these heads, and was perfectly acquainted with what was becoming in a hero in each emergency.
But, as I have said, try all I would the chance never came.
I was full of hopes when we went to the seaside that emergency number one at least might make an opening for me.

I spent hours every morning on the beach watching the bathers, and longing to hear the welcome shout of distress.

I sat with my boots unlaced and my coat ready to fling off at a moment's notice.