8o OLD BLACK BASS 



through life with thought of self alone, only 

 to sense vaguely now that real contentment 

 is bound up with friendliness of his kind. 

 Without this friendliness he should lose his 

 life, even though he save it. 



Leaper was coming at him when this 

 lonely realization rose to trouble him; 

 Leaper loved of his kind, Leaper fighting 

 to the death for principle not so much of 

 value to himself as to his species. But even 

 as he came the grim light of his eye faded 

 to weariness. His mouth sagged, and the 

 torn gill slit quivered in fatigue. 



It was here that Old Black Bass sur- 

 rendered. Instead of pressing his advan- 

 tage he exposed himself to attack. But 

 Leaper was too wearied to note it. Wearily 

 he turned on his side, then desperately 

 righted himself. The sympathy of the 

 school went out to him, and as one they 

 rose against Old Black Bass. They had 

 not understood, of course, the awakening 

 that had come over him. They knew only 

 that he was killing their comrade. So they 

 swarmed about him, buffeting him without 

 mercy, rushing him fiercely; and drove him 

 unresisting from the school. 



