effect a landing at a short distance from the festive scene; and, securing the raft by casting a rope round a large stone, we cautiously drew near the object of interest.
It proved to be a monstrous fish, on whose flesh these multitudes of birds were ravenously feeding; and it was extraordinary to watch the ferocity, the envy, the gluttony, and all manner of evil passions, exhibited among the guests at this banquet.
“There was nothing on this sandy beach, when we passed yesterday, I am certain, father,” said Fritz. “It seems strange to see this creature stranded here.”
SHARK.
“Why, Fritz!” cried Ernest, “it must be the shark! your shark, you know! I believe I can see where you hit him in the head."
“You are right, I do believe, Ernest,” said I, “though I think your imagination only can distinguish the gun-shot wounds among all the pecking and tearing of the voracious birds there. Just look, boys, at those terrific jaws, beneath the strangely projecting snout. See the rows upon rows of murderous teeth, and thank God we were delivered from them! Let us try if we can induce these greedy birds to spare us a bit of the shark's skin; it is extremely rough, and when dry may be used like a file.”
Ernest drew the ramrod from his gun, and charged so manfully into the crowd, that striking right and left he speedily killed
