
Before dawn of the third day
The Marlin's Desperate Jumps
The marlin jumps repeatedly, and Santiago struggles to keep the line from breaking. The fish's jumps fill the sacks along its backbone with air, preventing it from sounding deep to die. The old man's hands are cut badly, but he holds on, making the fish earn each inch of line. He realizes the fish is tiring and will soon begin to circle. The fight is entering its final phase.