RIDING A SHARK. • 121 



but, though they gave way with a will, they 

 were quickly left far behind. The big fish was 

 headed toward the shoal, and the doctor, seeing 

 that it would probably turn, tried to head it off. 

 Tom occasionally attempted to check his mad 

 charger by striking the bottom with his feet and 

 holding back, but his efforts were useless ; he 

 was dragged ahead again, and, when the fish 

 turned suddenly, it became evident that he must 

 either catch hold of the boat or abandon the 

 prize. 



" Catch the boat as you go by ! " shouted 

 Dick. 



On they came. The shark went faster still 

 as it saw the boat, which was now moving in 

 the same direction. A few moments more and 

 Tom was alongside, strong arms hauled him 

 aboard, while the doctor took the line, to which 

 Tom still clung, and made it fast. 



All hands now hauled on the line, and the 

 boat was soon directly over the big fish that, 

 after so brave a fight, was beginning to show 

 signs of fatigue. The doctor sent his grains into 

 the shark's head, and with a few sturdy splashes 



