Santiago was an old and experienced Cuban fisherman, but his luck had run out. He had gone 84 days without catching a single fish. In fact, he was so unlucky that his young apprentice, Manolin, had been forbidden by his parents to sail with the old man. However, the boy still visited Santiago's shack. The boy helped him carry back his fishing gear, gave him food, and discussed American baseball with him. Santiago continued to go out onto the Gulf to fish. He threw his lines and, by noon, a big fish had taken his bait. Santiago was unable to pull in the large marlin, and instead the fish pulled his boat out to sea. For two days and two nights Santiago fought with the marlin and held on to the line. Santiago felt compassion and admiration for his