So great was the force and impetus with which he struck the creature, that it was fairly driven sideways from its course, missing by the nearest shave the leg of Tom Tressilis.

Ned himself was half stunned by the force with which his head had struck the fish, for a shark is not so soft a creature to jump against as he had imagined; however, he retained consciousness enough to grasp at the fin of the shark, to which he held on for half a minute.
By this time the shark was recovering from the effects of the sudden blow, and Ned was beginning to be able to reflect.

In a moment he plunged the half pike deep into the creature's stomach.
Again and again he repeated the stroke; until the shark, rolling over in his agony, and striking furiously with his tail, shook Ned from his hold.

He instantly dived beneath the water, and came up at a short distance.

The shark was still striking the water furiously, the sailors on board were throwing down upon him shot, pieces of iron, and all sorts of missiles, and some of the best archers were hastily bringing their bows to the side.
The shark caught sight of his opponent, and instantly rushed at him.