244 CONFESSIONS OF A BEACHCOMBER 



as not to seriously encumber the sucker, and yet strong 

 enough to withstand a considerable strain. Two small 

 loops are made in the line about an interval of 2 fathoms 

 from the sucker, to act as indicators. 



As soon as the sucker has attached itself to the turtle, 

 a slight pull is given and the startled turtle makes a rush, 

 the line being eased out smartly. Then sport of the kind 

 that a salmon-fisher enjoys when he has hooked a 40- 

 pounder begins. The turtle goes as he pleases ; but 

 when he begins to tire, he finds that there is a certain 

 check upon him slow, steady, never-ceasing. After ten 

 minutes or so a critical phase of the sport occurs. The 

 turtle bobs up to the surface for a gulp of air, and should 

 he catch sight of the occupants of the canoe, his start and 

 sudden descent may result in such a severe tug that the 

 sucker is divorced. But the blacks watch, and in their 

 experience judge to a nicety when and where the turtle 

 may rise ; telegrams along the line from the sucker give 

 precise information. They crouch low on their knees in 

 the canoe, as the game emerges, with half-shut eyes and 

 dives again without having ascertained the cause of the 

 trifling annoyance to which he is being subjected. The 

 line is shortened up. Perhaps the turtle sulks among the 

 rocks and coral, and endeavours to free himself from the 

 sucker by rubbing against the boulders. Knowing all the 

 wiles and manoeuvres, the blacks play the game accord- 

 ingly, and hour after hour may pass, they giving and 

 taking line with fine skill and the utmost patience. The 

 turtle has become accustomed to the encumbrance, and 

 visits the surface oftener for air. One of the harpoons is 

 raised, and as the turtle gleams grey, a couple of fathoms or 

 so under the water, the canoe is smartly paddled towards 

 the spot whence it will emerge, and before it can get 

 a mouthful of air the barbed point, with a strong line 

 attached, is sticking a couple of inches deep in its 

 shoulder. 



There is a mad splash a little maelstrom of foam 

 and ripples, the line runs out to its full length, and the 



