But sometimes, especially upon the Line in the Pacific,
this plan will not answer at all; because such incalculable
hosts of sharks gather round the moored carcase, that were
he left so for six hours, say, on a stretch, little more than
the skeleton would be visible by morning. In most other parts
of the ocean, however, where these fish do not so largely abound,
their wondrous voracity can be at times considerably diminished,
by vigorously stirring them up with sharp whaling-spades,
a procedure notwithstanding, which, in some instances,
only seems to tickle them into still greater activity.
But it was not thus in the present case with the Pequod's sharks;
though, to be sure, any man unaccustomed to such sights,
to have looked over her side that night, would have almost
thought the whole round sea was one huge cheese, and those sharks
the maggots in it.
Nevertheless, upon Stubb setting the anchor-watch after
his supper was concluded; and when, accordingly Queequeg
and a forecastle seaman came on deck, no small excitement
was created among the sharks; for immediately suspending
the cutting stages over the side, and lowering three lanterns,
so that they cast long gleams of light over the turbid sea,
these two mariners, darting their long whaling-spades,* kept
up an incessant murdering of the sharks, by striking the keen
steel deep into their skulls, seemingly their only vital part.
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