The Marlin Begins to Circle

At sunrise, Santiago feels a slackening in the line and begins to pull in. The fish is circling, and the old man gains line steadily. He is exhausted, with black spots before his eyes, but he forces himself to endure. The circles become shorter, and the fish rises closer to the surface. Santiago prepares his harpoon, knowing the moment of truth is near. He thinks of the great DiMaggio and draws strength from the memory.