392 
EXCURSIONS BEYOND EGA. Chap. YI. 
was found too heavy to be lifted into the boat ; so a 
rope was passed round it, and the hideous creature 
towed alongside, and hoisted on deck by means of the 
crane, which was rigged for the purpose. It had still 
some sparks of life, and when the knife was applied, 
lashed its tail, and opened its enormous jaws, sending 
the crowd of bystanders flying in all directions. A 
blow with a hatchet on the crown of the head, gave him 
his quietus at last. The length of the animal was 
fifteen feet ; but this statement can give but an imper- 
fect idea of its immense bulk and weight. The num- 
bers of turtles which were seen swimming in quiet 
shoaly bays passed on the road, also gave us much 
amusement. They were seen by dozens ahead, with 
their snouts peering above the surface of the water ; 
and, on the steamer approaching, turning round to 
stare, but not losing confidence, till the vessel had nearly 
passed, when they appeared to be suddenly smitten 
with distrust, diving like ducks under the stream. 
We had on board, amongst our deck-passengers, a 
middle-aged Indian, of the J uri tribe ; a short, thick- 
set man, with features resembling much those of the 
late Daniel O'Connell. His name was Caracara-i (Black 
Eagle), and his countenance seemed permanently 
twisted into a grim smile, the effect of which was 
heightened by the tattooed marks — a blue rim to the 
mouth, with a diagonal pointed streak from each corner 
towards the ear. He was dressed in European style — 
black hat, coat, and trousers — looking very uncomfort- 
able in the dreadful heat which,'it is unnecessary to say, 
exists on board a steamer, under a vertical sun, during 
