I 
82 Proceedings of the Newport Natural History Society. 
What is that queer thing floating upon the water some 
distance ahead? One would think it a miniature vessel, a 
toy schooner, such as some child might have lost from shore 
and which has floated thus far to sea. But why are its 
sails black? Why, can’t you hear the man in the cross-trees 
singing out? That’s the sword-fish that we’ve come after 
and the black sails of that “little schooner” are his dorsal 
fin and his tail sticking out of the water as he swims lazily 
along, enjoying this hot sunshine! All is instant excitement. 
The captain, who is a veteran expert at this sport, runs to 
the “pulpit,” seizes the harpoon and stands ready. Another 
man takes the wheel and is intent upon the slightest or¬ 
der of the captain, and the engineer is ready at his post. 
The passengers crowd about the bows and keep their eyes 
upon the tell-tale “schooner.” The steamer is brought to 
half-speed, and the captain, by word or sign, directs the 
helmsman until the fish is almost under his hand and within 
easy striking distance. This is not difficult to do, as the 
fish does not seem to be alarmed at the approach of the 
vessel, though loud noises would alarm him and it would 
be next to impossible to get near him in a small boat. 
Then, when the right position has been attained, the 
captain, with a mighty thrust, pierces the fish, directing 
his aim as nearly as possible at the side of the dorsal fin, 
and letting go the line, withdraws the shaft. If the stroke 
has been successful the brass head of the harpoon, still 
attached to its line but without the shaft, has gone entirely 
through the fish and “buttons” (I can find no better de¬ 
scription) upon his under side. The fish, thus secured to 
the line and feeling himself grievously wounded, immediately 
dives to the bottom, running the line rapidly out of the tub. 
At the same moment someone seizes the keg and throws 
it overboard. Stand clear of the line as it runs out, for 
should you be caught in a coil of it you would certainly 
be dragged into the water! 
Fish, harpoon, line and keg are now all in the water, 
and to our surprise are apparently abandoned and left to 
