Старик и море

           Hisbackwasbentwiththeweightofthelineacrossitandhecarriedthefishinhisrighthand. 

           Backinthebowhelaidthetwofilletsoffishoutonthewoodwiththeflyingfishbesidethem. Afterthathesettledthelineacrosshisshouldersinanewplaceandhelditagainwithhislefthandrestingonthegunwale. Thenheleanedoverthesideandwashedtheflyingfishinthewater,notingthespeedofthewateragainsthishand. Hishandwasphosphorescentfromskinningthefishandhewatchedtheflowofthewateragainstit. Theflowwaslessstrongandasherubbedthesideofhishandagainsttheplankingoftheskiff, particlesofphosphorusfloatedoffanddriftedslowlyastern. 

           "Heistiringorheisresting,"theoldmansaid. "Nowletmegetthroughtheeatingofthisdolphinandgetsomerestandalittlesleep." 

           Underthestarsandwiththenightcolderallthetimeheatehalfofoneofthedolphinfilletsandoneoftheflyingfish,guttedandwithitsheadcutoff. 

           "Whatanexcellentfishdolphinistoeatcooked,"hesaid. "Andwhatamiserablefishraw. Iwillnevergoinaboatagainwithoutsaltorlimes." 

           IfIhadbrainsIwouldhavesplashedwateronthebowalldayanddrying,itwouldhavemadesalt,hethought. ButthenIdidnothookthedolphinuntilalmostsunset. Stillitwasalackofpreparation. ButIhavecheweditallwellandIamnotnauseated. 

           Theskywascloudingovertotheeastandoneafteranotherthestarsheknewweregone. Itlookednowasthoughheweremovingintoagreatcanyonofcloudsandthewindhaddropped.