The Killing of the Marlin

After several more turns, the marlin comes alongside the skiff. Santiago drops the line, puts his foot on it, and drives the harpoon into the fish's side behind the great pectoral fin. The fish leaps high out of the water, showing its full length and beauty, then crashes back into the sea. It floats belly-up, silver and still. The old man, faint and sick, lashes the fish to the skiff. He has killed his brother, and he feels a mix of triumph and sorrow.