THE GLADIATOR OF THE SEA 



boat with sodden, heavy blows. But I got the rope 

 fast. Then I went to Dan's assistance. The two 

 of us pulled that tremendous tail up out of the water 

 and made fast the rope. Then we knew we had him. 

 But he surged and strained and lashed for a long 

 while. And side blows of his sword scarred the 

 boat. At last he sagged down quiet, and we headed 

 for Avalon. Once more in smooth water, we loaded 

 him astern. I found the hook just in the corner of 

 his mouth, which fact accounted for the long battle. 



Doctor Riggin, the University of Pennsylvania 

 anatomist, and classmate of mine, dissected this fish 

 for me. Two of the most remarkable features about 

 Xiphius gladius were his heart and eye. 



The heart was situated deep in just back of the 

 gills. It was a big organ, exceedingly heavy, and 

 the most muscular tissue I ever saw. In fact, so 

 powerfully muscular was it that when cut the tissue 

 contracted and could not be placed together again. 

 The valves were likewise remarkably well developed 

 and strong. This wonderful heart accounted for 

 the wonderful vitality of the swordfish. The eyes 

 of a swordfish likewise proved the wonder of nature. 

 They were huge and prominent, a deep sea-blue 

 set in pale crystal rims and black circles. A sword- 

 fish could revolve his eyes and turn them in their 

 sockets so that they were absolutely protected in 

 battle with his mates and rivals. The eye had a 

 covering of bone, cup-shaped, and it was this bone 

 that afforded protection. It was evident that when 

 the eye was completely turned in the swordfish could 

 not see at all. Probably this was for close battle. 

 The muscles were very heavy and strong, one at- 



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