CHAPTER XXXII.
Xiphius Platypterus About this time, the loneliness of our voyage was relieved by an event worth relating.
Ever since leaving the Pearl Shell Islands, the Parki had been followed by shoals of small fish, pleasantly enlivening the sea, and socially swimming by her side.

But in vain did Jarl and I search among their ranks for the little, steel-blue Pilot fish, so long outriders of the Chamois.

But perhaps since the Chamois was now high and dry on the Parki's deck, our bright little avant-couriers were lurking out of eight, far down in the brine; racing along close to the keel.
But it is not with the Pilot fish that we now have to do.
One morning our attention was attracted to a mighty commotion in the water.

The shoals of fish were darting hither and thither, and leaping into the air in the utmost affright.

Samoa declared, that their deadly foe the Sword fish must be after them.
And here let me say, that, since of all the bullies, and braggarts, and bravoes, and free-booters, and Hectors, and fish-at-arms, and knight-errants, and moss-troopers, and assassins, and foot-pads, and gallant soldiers, and immortal heroes that swim the seas, the Indian Sword fish is by far the most remarkable, I propose to dedicate this chapter to a special description of the warrior.