Passage 2

When the French Institute in Haiti (海地) asked me to speak on a subject of my own choice, I picked heroism. It’s a subject I know well.  I've read many books about it.

 I spoke of some well-known heroes. I suggested that I was something of a hero myself. Then I told how the hero, in the face of danger, discovers all the great, lasting values of life.

 When I left the platform, a gentleman came to me. "Great lecture," he said. "I’m Doctor Bonbon. I’ve been asked to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. Would you like to go hunting sharks with me? You seem to enjoy facin danger."

I accepted gladly. I saw myself struggling with a huge fish on my rod ...

I was to speak again the next afternoon. So we agreed to start early in the morning.

 "By the way," the doctor said as we set out, "you should try out your coucteau.”

 "My... what？"

    "Your snorkel (潜水呼吸管) . You need to breathe. I'll show you how to work the underwater gun too. What’s the matter? Something wrong?"

 I had to sit down. I tried to tell myself it wasn’t so. But there was no doubt about it. I wasn’t to fish with a rod. I was to go right down into the water. I opened my mouth to protest ...

 "You know," the doctor said, "I can’t tell you how much we all enjoyed your lecture on courage."

 I said nothing. There are times when you have to protect your means of earning a living. I was known as a good speaker. If I had to be eaten by sharks to keep my reputation, I was ready. I put on my mask.

 "Now put on the lead belt. It will get you down there instantly," the doctor said. "They’ll go down with you." He pointed to the four big men on board.

 Bodyguards, I thought with relief.

 "They’re the beaters (轰赶猎物的人) ," the doctor said. "They’ll go ahead and drive the sharks toward you. Then all you have to do is shoot." I didn’t have the courage to object. They helped me over the side.