And while the fish was hesitating, Harkaway resolved to open the campaign. Accordingly he dived, with the intention of coming up beneath the fish and administering a stab.
Old Jack Tiller and Joe Basalt were just at that moment engaged in hauling Mr. Mole into the boat; they had him half way over the gunwale, when the shark made a snap and away went the professor's other leg.
"Mercy, help! The beast is devouring me by inches," screamed Mole, as he rolled headlong into the boat.
Joe Basalt seeing that young Jack was still itching to have a go at the shark, seized him by the collar and dragged him in. They then rested on their oars and prepared to give the elder Harkaway any assistance they could.
"I lay five to three against the monster of the deep," said Harvey.
"I accept the wager on those terms," said Mole, who having discovered that he was unhurt, was reviving.
He took another swig at the pistol and then sat up to watch the conflict.
The shark, finding he had now only one opponent to deal with, turned towards Harkaway, who dived again, and getting this time fairly beneath the fish, thrust his cutlass up to the hilt in its stomach.
Startled by this sudden attack, and smarting from the pain caused by the wound, the shark leaped up half out of the water, and then fell with a loud splash close by Jack.
Everyone on board was by this time on deck, watching the unequal struggle.