about three feet in length, having at the end a sharp steel point about ten inches long.
The two huntsmen did not carry spears, but each had an instrument formed of a stout iron rod, about eighteen inches in length, armed at both ends with several sharp barbed points springing from a thick knob. They had also a harpoon, to the handle of which was attached a cord, which had at its free end an apparatus which opened out like a small umbrella when the cord was dragged rapidly through the water, presenting a large surface that opposed considerable resistance to the water.
The air-bottles and spears we carried being made so as to have the same specific gravity as the water did not affect our position in it; but the iron weapons of the huntsmen being so much heavier than water would have sunk their bearers, had they not restored their equipoise by inflating some of the cells of their weight-belts.
Near the coral barrier was a large cage containing a fine pack of lively pilot-fish, each about a foot long, their beautiful grey body encircled by several bands of bright blue. The huntsmen opened the door of the cage and allowed about a score to issue forth. They seemed to understand what they were wanted for, and frisked and gambolled round and about our party just like little dogs, evidently delighted at the prospect of the hunt.
These little fish, as is well known to naturalists, feel a strange attraction for the white shark, and are constantly seen in his company. Unlike other fish they have no fear of the fierce monster, but will pursue him wherever he goes, darting at his eyes, body and fins, and even approaching so near his mouth as to make
