The struggles of such monsters as these were fearful to witness; the snap-snapping of the jaws, and the lashing of the tail, were things to see and hear and remember for ever and a day.
One of the blacks, however, usually settled the business with his battle-axe or cannibal club.
Then the shark was opened, and the liver extracted.
But this was not all, for shark is good to eat, though I never cared much for it myself.
Many sharks were thus caught. And so too were gigantic conger eels, that really looked like sea-serpents. Cod also, and halibut. So that on the whole, Antonio found now he could once more put the crew on full allowance.
But living on fish and seaweed, without bread or vegetables, Antonio knew, would not do for any lengthened period.
Indeed, in about a month’s time several of the hands began to sicken, and one night poor seaman Hodder died somewhat suddenly.
He had been a general favourite with every one on board. His song was always the cheeriest, his laugh the merriest, and his sad death cast a gloom over all the ship.
But when two other men died in spite of Sister Leona’s nursing and attention, things began to look serious.
Antonio blamed the shark diet, and gave orders that no more should be used.