When the French Institute in Haiti asked me to speak on a subject of my own choice. I picked heroism. It’s a theme I know well. I’ve read many books about it.
2. I spoke of Saint – Exupery, Malraux, and Hillary. 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.
3. When I left the platform, a gentleman came to me. “Great lecture,” he said. “I am 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 facing danger.”
4. I accepted gladly. I saw myself strapped into my seat, struggling with a huge fish on my rod….
5. I was to speak again the next afternoon. So we agreed to start early that morning.
6. “By the way,” the doctor said as we set out, “you should try out your Cousteau.”
7. “My… what?”
8. “Your snorkel. You’ll need to breathe. I’ll show you how to work the underwater gun too. What’s the matter? Something wrong?”
9. 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 shark-infested water. I opened my mouth to protest…..
10. “You know.” The doctor said, “I can’t tell you how much we all enjoyed your lecture on courage.”
11. 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.
12. “Now put on the lead belt. It will get you down there instantly.” The doctor said. I let myself be harnessed. “They’ll go down with you.” He pointed to the four black giants on board.
13. Bodyguards. I thought with relief.
14. “They’re the beaters,” 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.
15. At the bottom the first thing I saw was a long. Slim fish. I screamed. But it wasn’t a shark. It was a barracuda.
16. I can’t quite remember what followed. All I know is that, contrary to what I had said in my lecture, at the moment of danger the hero does not discover the great values of life. At last I opened my eyes again. The barracuda was gone.