A STORY OF SIX SH4RKS. 99 



for following a prey wbich understands how to 

 defend itself, and attempt to escape its foe. But 

 what are more terrible than even the teeth are the 

 tail and fins of the shark, which are very long, and 

 firm and elastic as a bar of steel. 



The crew of the Triumphant, growing out of 

 patience with my very prolonged inspection of their 

 game, were beginning to grumble, when I became 

 aware of the presence of the cook armed with a long 

 knife. This he plunged into the still palpitating 

 body of the fish, and began cutting it to pieces, as 

 if it had been a sheep or a calf. His skin was 

 shared among the sailors, for it has a certain value 

 with cabinet-makers and turners, to polish wood 

 withal. The heart torn from this shark palpitated 

 for hours after the creature had been cut up, and 

 even three days afterwards convulsive movements 

 were perceptible. I should not have believed 

 this if I had not seen it with my own eyes. The 

 head was carefully cut ofi", and placed in a bucket, 

 in which it was steeped, preparatory to its being 

 cooked. This tid-bit is usually offered to the 

 captain ; but this time it was destined for me, and 

 I was also informed by the mate that I was 

 expected to "wash down my head^^ in the orthodox 

 fashion. 



The shark's flesh was served up as a stew, and 

 in a fricassee ; it was fried, served en matelote, and 

 with all kinds of sauces. I tasted them all re- 



