DEVIL FISHING 17 



oars into the midst of the shoal. " May/' said my 

 grandfather to his favorite African slave, who acted 

 as his harpooner, "look out for the leader, and 

 strike a sure blow." "Let me 'lone for dat, 

 massa," said " May," as, staff in hand, he planted 

 his foot firmly on the bow of the barge. He stood 

 there but a second, when, grasping his staff in both 

 hands, he sprang into the air, and descended 

 directly on the back of the largest devil-fish, giving 

 the whole weight of his body to the force of the 

 stroke ! The weapon sunk deep into the body of the 

 fish, and before he had tightened the rope, "May" 

 had already swam to the boat, laid his hands on 

 the gunwale, and been dragged on board by his 

 fellow-blackies, who were delighted at his exploit. 



The fish now dashed off furiously, with the barge 

 in tow. The bugle sounded the concerted signal. 

 The planters manned their boats to intercept the 

 barge ; and each boat, as it arrived, was lashed 

 alongside of the barge, so that, shortly, a small 

 fleet of boats was drawn swiftly along with the tide. 

 They approached so near my grandfather's door, 

 that he ordered a bowl of arrack punch to be pre- 

 pared and sent on board. It soon arrived to refresh 

 and exhilarate the sportsmen of the little squadron. 

 To conclude my story, the fish was wearied out, 

 drawn to the top of the water, speared to death, 



