TWO FIGHTS WITH SWORDFISH 



with fierce energy. I felt the end of the double 

 line go by me, and at this I let out another shout 

 to warn Dan. Then I had the end of the leader — 

 a good strong grip — and, looking down, I saw the 

 clear silver outline of the hugest fish I had ever 

 seen short of shark or whale. He made a beautiful, 

 wild, frightful sight. He rolled on his back. Round- 

 bill or broadbill, he had an enormous length of sword. 



"Come, Dan — we've got him!" I panted. 



Dan could not, dare not get up then. 



The situation was perilous. I saw how Dan 

 clutched the reel, with his big thumbs biting into 

 the line. I did my best. My sight failed me for 

 an instant. But the fish pulled the leader through 

 my hands. My brother leaped down to help — alas, 

 too late! 



"Let go, Dan! Give him line!" 



But Dan was past that. Afterward he said his 

 grip was locked. He held, and not another foot did 

 the swordfish get. Again I leaned over the gun- 

 wale. I saw him — a monster — ^pale, wavering. His 

 tail had an enormous spread. I could no longer see 

 his sword. Almost he was ready to give up. 



Then the double line snapped. I fell back in the 

 boat and Dan fell back in the chair. 



Nine hours! 



