He heard to the southward of him, towards the centre of the lagoon, the wallowing of some great fish, doubtless a shark, and paused for a little, treading water.

Might not this be the hangman?
he thought.

But the wallowing died away; mere silence succeeded; and Herrick pushed on again for the shore, raging as he went at his own nature.

Ay, he would wait for the shark; but if he had heard him coming!...

His smile was tragic.