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. I
had heard of them but had never seen one before because
fishermen always throw them overboard. You see, the Beta Fish
tastes terrible, and there is no market for it. It's also bad luck to kill
a Bela Fish because it's one of the rare fish that can communicate
with land creatures.
And the Bela Fish wasn't shy about communicating with us. ...
"The hook hurts!" it cried. "Take it out of my mouth!"
I immediately got down on my knees and carefully removed
the hook.
"Thank you," said the fish. "Now, if you would be so good as
to get me back in the water?"
I didn't hesitate. I started putting my hands underneath the
body of the Bela Fish, but the old man slapped my wrists. "Leave
him be," said Six-Finger. "I think we'll keep him. He'll make good
bait."
Upon hearing the old man's words, the Bela Fish started
flopping all over the bottom of the boat, desperately trying
to wriggle over the side. But it was no use. "Please,"
begged the fish, "let me go!"
I was stunned. I couldn't believe that the old man could
be so cruel. How could a man share his food so generously
in one moment and then torture an innocent creature in the
next?
"Let the Bela Fish go," I demanded. "If he doesn't get
back in the water soon, he will die."
"Then he'll die," replied Six-Finger steadfastly. "But I'll
give this fish one chance to save his life. And one chance
only."
"What is it?" cried the Bela Fish
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