A couple of shots were fired into them from the felucca in order to frighten them away, as it is generally supposed that sharks are following them up.

A few moments afterward another school appeared astern, when the operation was repeated with the desired effect.

Paul finding that the current was setting too rapidly westward, turned his course due south and as the wind was beginning to rise, a small square sail was handed to him; but as that did not seem to increase his progress to any perceptible degree, he put it back in the boat after about ten minutes' trial.

As he was passing over Cabezes Shoals the breeze freshened; but he was still being carried westward.

At that stage of the journey, about 9:30, he hauled up for a moment and partook of a little bread and cheese, and before resuming work with the paddle he attached a white pocket handkerchief to a cord about eighteen feet long and fastened one end to the belt of his waist, allowing the handkerchief to drift astern.
This was another precaution against sharks, as it is well known that their malevolent impulses are more likely to be excited and their attacks directed against white objects than any other.