76 



HUNTING AND FISHING IN FLORIDA. 



Will cut up small pieces of mvillet and threw them over the water in 

 different directions, while I anxiously watched the line. Five min- 

 utes passed, ten minutes — suddenly my line began to run from the 

 reel with a strong, steady movement. 



" Steady," cried Will ; " give him time to get the bait down his 

 throat. Don't strike too quick. Now give it to him. Now! 

 Now ! " 



Holding the rod firmly with both hands, I checked the reel and 

 struck hard, so hard that the stout rod bent with the strain, and 





instantly, with a tremendous rush, a huge silver, gleaming monster 

 flung himself completely out of the water, shaking his head 

 savagely. Down he came in a splash of white foam, and it required 

 no warning cry from Will to make me brace myself for the rush 



