CHAPTER lY. 



Two (lays after, Tlioinpson had arranged everything at 



> 

 camp to his satisfaction, — among other things, having 



erected a tlag-stalf and run up tlie American tlag, which 

 we thereafter vigorously cheered as we nightly returned 

 from our fishing or our exi)loring. He had gone out row- 

 ing, near l)y, or bathing, and amused himself watching the 

 rabbits that came out at nightfall after they became 

 accustomed to our presence, 1>ut had not j'et wet a line. 



"Now, gentlemen, ''said he after breakfast, this morning, 

 "I propose to have a day of fishing. I shall la}' aside all 

 official responsibilities, and, on vour own level, proceed to 

 show you what an old fisherman can do when ' he's got a 

 good ready, ' — and .you. " turning to me, "shall be my 

 comj>anion. " 



'■ That's wise, " said Benson. — " to choose one as a wit- 

 ness who never has caught trout before, and who will 

 therefore I>e duly impre-ssed with your prowess. " 



" I am convinced, " said the Professor, " that our astute 



, C'ai)tain has in mind to claim the coml)ined catch as his 



own. There is nothing in the way of impudence that 



might not be expected of a man direct from Washington. " 



"Jealousy! pure jealousy ! gentlemen. Horace, you are 

 to go with us, " added Thompson, turning to that worthy, 

 who was busj' with his housekeeping duties; "and put up 



