Attempt > Volume 1 and Select writings

80
THE ATTEMPT
too, were on the field, devouring more than the fishermen would bring to land.
Serpent-like forms were gliding about, far below, seen only by the sparks they
struck out along their track, sailing with the most provoking calmness and self-
complacency on their nightly round of depredations. The eels evidently considered
it their prerogative to have their supper caught for them. They seemed the very
tyrants of that lower world, hiding meanness and cowardice in a blaze of borrowed
beauty, moving with kingly majesty on their unblessed path, as if guilt might wear
the front of innocence, because it sees no avenging sword. But punishment is often
nearer than it seems. A jerk, a struggle, then a slimy head emerging from the water
was stunned by a blow from an iron instrument. In a few moments a huge eel, nine
or ten feet in length, and thicker than a man’s leg, was stretched, in all its native ugli¬
ness, at the bottom of the boat. We have been reproved for calling any of God’s
creatures ugly, and, no doubt, there are points to be admired even in eels, dis¬
coverable by discerning persons. Such were not we ; one look of the slimy skin, the
livid colour and snaky shape, was enough for us. We sought no opportunity for further
inspection, for which, even had we been so disposed, there was then neither time nor
light. An unwary eel, swimming too boldly past, was harpooned and laid beside its
companion. Another, as gigantic, was soon laid low; and another, and another, till
our uncouth neighbours threatened to take the boat to themselves. Now, gentle reader,
we were not utterly steeled against the sufferings of dumb creatures, nor was it with¬
out a twinge of pain that we viewed the long struggle for life of our captives. But, at
the risk of forfeiting your esteem, the truth must out. We were, even to the youngest,
hardened fishers, accustomed to still all compunction with philosophy about the cold-
blood and insensibility of fish. Besides, our present victims were condemned crimi¬
nals, daring marauders and thieves, whom to slay was an act of strict justice. Our
indignation was soon raised to the highest pitch by the appearance of a giant, whose
mouth contained a herring and a half, besides the bait he had so greedily swallowed.
We now panted for the next tug as earnestly, and in our own fancy, as heroically as
Sir Calidore longed to rush upon his foul Blattant Beast. Fairly tested, our heroism
would, I daresay, have come to this, that we should as willingly have faced that monster
as have engaged in a hand-to-hand battle with a conger-eel. Our dubious valour was
not destined to be put to further proof. No tug was felt. The mountain tops began
to show black and sharp against the whitening sky. Presently the rim of a harvest
moon peeped out. The glimmering lights of ocean were quenched, and her prowling
denizens shrunk afraid into their secret haunts.
Moonlight is always beautiful, but here, among the mountains, their rugged