SANTA MARIA TO LOS ARROYOS 133 



but those more eagerly sought by the fishermen 

 for the Havana markets. 



Our Patron again distinguished himself by his 

 aquatic accomplishments. A large shark appeared 

 in the shallow water, and those near by decided to 

 capture him. The launch was brought around; 

 the Patron, poised on the bow with the grains, 

 watched for an opportunity to strike. The rapid 

 little launch with throttle wide open dashed about 

 like a polo pony following the ball. When the 

 right moment came, the Patron did not merely 

 hurl the spear, as might have been expected, but 

 threw himself with it upon the shark in order that 

 his weight would drive home the sharp points. 

 Fortunately for the big fish, the grains bent double 

 on his back and he escaped amid a great splashing 

 and swirling of water, in the midst of which floun- 

 dered the Patron. Soon after, we had more ex- 

 citement in an attempt to capture a huge skate 

 that flapped his way over the shoals. I am sure 

 we all felt relieved that our prey had escaped. As 

 we could have done nothing with either shark or 

 skate had we caught them, our attack upon them 

 can only be attributed to a flare-up of our savage 

 natures — an assault with intent to kill for the pleas- 



