98 
SUSPICIOUS-LOOKING OBJECT. 
wondering at the number of sea-birds wheeling 
rock wards to their nests, my^ eye rested on a long 
dark object apparently making its way steadily 
through the water. After observing it some time 
in silence, I was sorely puzzled, and could make 
nothing of it. As it was evidently neither a seal, 
a diver, nor a fishing cormorant, with the forms of 
which I was familiar, I went on deck to consult 
other eyes than my own. Sundiy glasses were 
brought to bear on the suspicious-looking object, 
and after long scrutiny it seemed to be generally 
decided that it was a large snake, about ten feet 
long (much longer, according to some,) working its 
< 
w\ay vigorously against the tide by lateral undula- 
tions of the body. So strong was this conviction, 
that the course of the ship was altered, and a boat 
was got rea:dy for lowering. With a couple of 
loaded revolvers, some boat-hooks and a fathom or 
so of lead-line, I made ready for the encounter, 
intending to range up alongside, shoot the reptile 
through the head, make him fast by a clove-hitch, 
and tow him on board in triumph ! By this time, 
