190 ADVENTURES AT SEA. 



and combats. The boatswain just then stepped into 

 the ring, which had been formed round the man, and 

 announced to the captain that some of the life -belts, 

 which had been thrown to the unfortunate man. had 

 been recovered, and that several of them curiously 

 showed signs of having been pierced with a knife. 

 The man in his terror had taken the white rings for 

 sharks' bellies - - the shark, as is well known, turning 

 on his back when preparing to snap. 



The shark plays an important part in the sailor's 

 life in the torrid zone, as he spoils the mariner's re- 

 freshing bath. The sailor therefore passionately hates 

 him and tortures the animal with glee, if he succeeds 

 in getting hold of one. I was witness when two 

 powerful sharks, at least twelve feet long, were 

 caught on a small flesh -baited anchor, and brought 

 on board. It was rather dangerous to approach them. 

 They had immense strength and so tough a life, that 

 even after having been disembowelled they still lashed 

 about with their tails. 



When we lay at anchor in the harbour of Suakim 

 it was strictly forbidden to bathe, as very many sharks 

 were disporting themselves in the neighbourhood. One 

 evening after sunset, which is there quickly succeeded 

 by perfect darkness, we were sitting as usual at dinner 

 on deck, when suddenly "shark" was called by several 

 voices, and at the same time the cry of a man for 

 help resounded. The boats were lowered, and in the 

 light streaming from the ship something could be 

 clearly discerned moving in the water, which was taken 



