How do you remove the top cover on a 1971 mercury 9.8 HP outboard?

The 1971 model Mercury 7.5, and the 9.8 hp, both have a solid metal cowling, rather than a band type so common to the day. The cowling release levers are cleverly concealed on the inside edge of the carrying handle, on the rear portion of the hood. There is a release lever on each side, pull these levers down to release the hood.