26 OLD BLACK BASS 



thought without the word symbol for it. 

 But because this is a tale for men, human 

 symbols must be used to indicate the fishes' 

 thought. 



At the age of five months Old Black Bass 

 was the largest member of his school. From 

 tip to tip he measured six and one half 

 inches. Furthermore he displayed a rugged 

 hardihood that made him appear more ma- 

 ture and formidable than his fellows. 



He was on this morning occupying his 

 favorite place by the great bowlder and 

 just beneath the overhanging bough of the 

 birch. The spot was favored by him, since 

 the bowlder provided protection and the 

 bough many luscious morsels; and it was 

 possessed by him because his size enabled 

 him to get what he should want. 



The day was warm. On the bank beyond 

 the bowlder sounds of laughter punctuated 

 the awkward efforts of a little baby learning 

 to walk. The little fellow toddled toward 

 the shore line and with a great show of 

 effort tossed a golden orange into the 

 water. 



Revolving round and round, it floated 

 gayly out to the big rock. Old Black Bass 



