6 Recreations of a Sportsman 



astern (see frontispiece), the theory being that 

 a big fish can be fought at better advantage in 

 this way, as the oarsman can back the boat up 

 onto the flying game when hooked, also the 

 skiff can be cast off at the strike, allowing the 

 launch to follow or stand by. 



For two hours we tried every known expedi- 

 ent, and bait, to attract the attention of this 

 swordfish who complacently swam down the 

 coast, now turning out, or in, as we caught its 

 eye, but rarely changing far from the even tenor 

 of its way. Once, as I stood at the stern, I saw 

 it follow up the line to within ten feet of the 

 boat, a radiant creature in an investment of 

 deep labradorite blue, which seemed to assimilate 

 with the enchanting hue of the water. 



Once, or twice, it was supposed the swordfish 

 charged the bait; but it was not hooked, and 

 it seemed to have a bored appearance as it turned 

 off; often so near the launch that nearly its 

 entire shape could be seen, and the lifting and 

 lowering of the tall dorsal in its scabbard was 

 readily observed as the fish turned or sank be- 

 low the surface into a region of marine delights, 

 where poised, and swam, countless beautiful 

 living forms. 



In fact, in fishing for this exciting game, or 

 watching the attempts to take it, one was con- 

 stantly diverted by the enchantments of the 

 ocean. 



