392 EXCURSIONS BEYOND EGA. Chap. VI. 



was found too heavy to be lifted into the boat ; so a 

 rope was passed round it, and the hideous creature 

 towed alongside, and hoisted on deck by means of the 

 crane, which was rigged for the purpose. It had still 

 some sparks of life, and when the knife was applied, 

 lashed its tail, and opened its enormous jaws, sending 

 the crowd of bystanders flying in all directions. A 

 blow with a hatchet on the crown of the head, gave him 

 his quietus at last. The length of the animal was 

 fifteen feet ; but this statement can give but an imper- 

 fect idea of its immense bulk and weight. The num- 

 bers of turtles which were seen swimming in quiet 

 shoaly bays passed on the road, also gave us much 

 amusement. They were seen by dozens ahead, with 

 their snouts peering above the surface of the water ; 

 and, on the steamer approaching, turning round to 

 stare, but not losing confidence, till the vessel had nearly 

 passed, when they appeared to be suddenly smitten 

 with distrust, diving like ducks under the stream. 



We had on board, amongst our deck-passengers, a 

 middle-aged Indian, of the Juri tribe ; a short, thick- 

 set man, with features resembling much those of the 

 late Daniel O'Connell. His name was Caracara-i (Black 

 Eagle), and his countenance seemed permanently 

 twisted into a grim smile, the effect of which was 

 heightened by the tattooed marks — a blue rim to the 

 mouth, with a diagonal pointed streak from each corner 

 towards the ear. He was dressed in European style — 

 black hat, coat, and trousers — looking very uncomfort- 

 able in the dreadful heat which, it is unnecessary to say, 

 exists on board a steamer, under a vertical sun, during 



