152 ALBACORA 



Although our visitors did paddle up to the Explorer 

 in a tiny bongo or dugout, they were, it turned out, the 

 two most important men in Pisagua. The first, decked 

 out in a blue uniform interwoven with gold braid, was 

 the major in charge of the local army base. The second, 

 wearing a dark suit, was the Mayor. Both men spoke 

 English and I was glad now to have such guests. 



Our expedition was known all over South America 

 for the work we were doing. Our experiments in long- 

 line fishing and scientific achievements would eventually 

 be a boon to all these countries. For example, now there 

 is talk of a new marine laboratory to be erected near 

 Santiago for the purpose of squid research. We were the 

 feted darlings everywhere. Little Pisagua was no excep- 

 tion. These charming gentlemen were here to invite us 

 to their homes for a celebration. As we passed the 

 drinks, we explained our work and the long hours, and 

 begged off. They said they were happy we had come to 

 Pisagua. 



"How's the fishing been around here?" Lou asked. 



"Good," said the man in the gold braid suit. "Plenty 

 of marlin." 



"Any albacora?" Lou asked. 



"Today," the Mayor said, "some commercial boats 

 got albacora. Five, ten, many albacora." 



That was good news for the town. Fishing is the busi- 

 ness of Pisagua. 



