Page 22 - Contrast1968

, A tap on the"shoulder' brought' CUrt out ~f his thoughts.
Turning around~ CUrt saw Dr. Treibstock, the Assistant Director
of the AqUarium. The two had become close friends since Dr.
Treibstock had inquired about CUrt's constant observation at
the shark tank. This time, however, Dr. Treibstock had more
than friendly words for his friend;" he asked the young II&n if
he wiShed to accompany him and some other scientists on a
cruise the coming weekend. Curt recalled that Dr. Treibstock
was trying to develop an effective shark repellent, the
previous repellents never being one hundred percent effective
on solitary sharks, and of no value at all in a mass feeding.
He would now have a chance to observe the sharks in their
natural habitat and perhaps even witness a feeding frenzy.
He readily accepted the director's offer.

CUrt arrived at the pier early, as he did for all his
appointments. But he used this extra time to acclimate him-
self with the sea. Curt felt this a very necessary part of
his nature study and often spent hours observi.ng and becoming
familiar with the small area that he covered in his outings.
The sea, however, presented a problem because of its mystic
ability to constantly change. Any living object,large or
small, could glide into the scene unheard and probably unseen,
especially if one is observing from above the water. ~rt
was satisfied, however, with watching the waves endlessly and
regularly snap onto the shore. His daze was broken by the -
arrival of the scientists, and after the introductions were
aade, the trip got underway.

It seeaed only a few minutes had passed before CUrt
heard Dr. Treibstock call for tbe engines to be cut. Tbe
entire ti.. CUrt bad set in one fixed position staring at
tbe sheen of the sea, interrupted only once or twice by a
aass of floating seaweed whicb distracted his glance. He
now felt his heart begin to pound as be rose from his position
and stood by the rail, awaiting the initiation of whatever
was to follow. As he walked alongside the rail towards the
other men, his foot slid out from under him, causing him to
fall between the rail and the deck of the boat, his head
peering over tbe sides. He sighed heavily with relief when
he realized he was still on firm ground. He felt that par-
ticular shiver run through bis entire body. Dr. Treibstock
rushed to his asSistance, and, after finding Rudolf to be
unharmed, mopped up the puddle of oily water that had caused
the tall.

CUrt, .are cautious now, held firmly to the rail as he

advanced toward the others. Already the scientists had begun

throwing bloody pieces of fish into the water, the normal

pr9cedure tor attracting sbarks. But to CUrt's surprise, he

found out that they had been throwing fisb out for the last

ten-minute. of tbe ride. This, it was explained to "him, drew

fish trom a wider area and led them to the boat. .