Chapter 17 Summary

The Manta Diablo passes the boat again, closer than before. It seems to be daring Gaspar Ruiz to cast the harpoon. The Sevillano gives a loud grunt, and the harpoon lodges between the creature's wings. The small boat shudders as the enormous monster tows it through the sea. The manta turns back and swims towards the lagoon. It glides through the water smoothly, as if taking care not to swamp the boat. The barbed harpoon seems to affect the manta no more than a pinprick.

As the boat approaches the Isle de los Muertos again, Ruiz begins hauling on the rope. When the manta is close enough to touch, Ruiz fills his lungs deeply with air three times, like a man going for a dive. Ramun has the impression that Ruiz has vowed to kill the Manta Diablo, no matter what. Ramun jumps...