308 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



rouse my prize, and my anxiety increased when the sailor 

 who accompanied me announced that the skipper had just 

 landed a fish. In my excitement I had lost sight of my 

 friend, but Crosby's news recalled him. The captain had 

 drawn first blood. This fact brought my impatience to 

 boiling-point, and I could stand it no longer. Crosby was 

 instructed to throw a few stones above the fish, and thus 

 endeavour to start him from his retreat. The first piece of 

 rock had scarcely touched the water when the object was 

 attained. Off he went with the velocity of electricity, and 

 the handle of my reel spun round like the fly-wheel of an 

 engine ; although I kept a considerable check, still over 

 ninety yards must have run off, when, much to my satis- 

 faction, he broke water three times, the first time throwing 

 himself good three feet clear of his element. This mauo3uvre, 

 although frequently dangerous, pleased me in one way. I 

 was certain that his route would now be changed, and 

 probably I should succeed in getting in some of my line. 

 True to my former experience the fish now headed up 

 stream and permitted himself to be somewhat controlled. 

 At moderate pace he retraced his steps and almost had got 

 to where I struck him, when, putting a little more strain 

 on than he admired, round he wheeled, and with his 

 previous velocity pointed his head again for the sea. Still, 

 the struggle had its effect; this dash was not equal to 

 previous ones, and fifty yards of line brought him up. For 

 ten minutes it was give and take, back and forward, up and 

 down, till at last I brought him, all resplendent in his 

 silvery armour, into shoal water. "Now, Crosby, now's 

 your chance; careful, man; don't be in too big a hurry." 



