14 ALBACORA 



where in the snout was a black beak, sharper and more 

 powerful than that of an eagle. Fortunately, Mario had 

 done his gaffing skillfully. The fluctuations in the 

 squid's color grew less pronounced before my eyes, and 

 within minutes they stopped completely. The squid was 

 dead. Lou slapped it with his open hand and the im- 

 print remained as though inked on the creature. I felt 

 almost enthusiastic about returning to my galley. 



"Quite an ocean. Genie, isn't it?" Lou said, enthu- 

 siasm quite apparent in his voice, as he came down 

 the ladder after me for a chat. 



"Ocean?" I said. "This isn't an ocean out here. It's 

 a three-ring circus." 



Lou grinned. "The circus is only beginning," he said. 



