My Record Muskallunge 283 



other struggles with a pickerel that lunges at the surface, 

 makes several runs, then gives up in disgust, the very antip- 

 odes of the bass in its play. As we approach a submerged 

 rock the boatman foretells a strike and is a true prophet. 



Zee-zee I goes the reel, a different note than that made by 

 the small and more insignificant fry just landed, and high 

 out of water goes the valiant bass, shaking itself in midair 

 and throwing the hook several yards. Zeeel sings the other 

 reel, lengthened sweetness long drawn out, as the game fish 

 seeks deep water, running out over one hundred feet of line 

 before it can be stopped, then playing with the delicate rod, 

 twisting it into a bow, and demonstrating its strength and 

 power, while with a curving rush like that of a skater, it 

 turns when forced, rising, imparting to the line and rod a 

 strange quiver, then hurling itself into the air again. No 

 true angler ever took so fine a fish without regret, and many 

 a one is released as a sop to the angler's conscience. 



But this fish is too large for this, and comes to the net 

 ever fighting in the open, a five-pounder to an ounce. The 

 boatman circles the rock and again the reel sings loudly; 

 two more bass pay for their temerity, and we row down 

 by a little island topped with trees, through which glimpses 

 of green meadows are had, and graceful towers ; now by an 

 island so small that the cottage and boathouse almost cover 

 it, and from whose window a voice bids us come ashore; 

 and here, in the channel comes the event of this happy day. 



We had decided to row in and pass the time of day and 

 fill our friend with envy with a display of our large bass. 

 My friend's minnow was coming rapidly up when some- 

 thing stopped it, and with a fierce rush the Helicate line 

 melted away, the rod caracoling, leaping, springing back, to 

 lunge again, a rod gone crazy. 



" Pickerel ! " gasped the astonished angler. 



" Muskallunge I think, sir," retorted Bill, excited but not 

 showing it. He whirled the boat around stern to the game, 

 then rushed her backward at full speed to save the line that 



