and now , as he swam slowly and heavily up and down the reef and through the channels that led out to deep water , his `` people '' swarmed around him fearlessly and expectantly , darting at the tip of the three-pronged spear they knew only as a prodigal spoon , flirting right up to the glass of the pirelli , and even , in the case of the fearless , pugnacious demoiselles , nipping softly at his feet and legs .