28 OLD BLACK BASS 



is often a preparation for life where the girl 

 with her dolls learns the art of motherhood 

 and the boy with his gun the knack of 

 defense, so now the play became a prepara- 

 tion for later life. 



They struck at the orange. From all 

 angles they darted for it, measuring dis- 

 tance, calculating velocity, and ever striving 

 for accuracy. All except Old Black Bass. 



When the play first began he subsided 

 and drew apart. From his vantage he 

 watched with what amounted to downright 

 disdain the caperings of his brothers and 

 sisters. Only once did he seem pleased 

 when Leaper struck wild. 



It was not until Gloria struck that the 

 thing seemed to grow personal with him. 

 But when she advanced, missed, and re- 

 turned in some confusion, he darted im- 

 periously out. 



He had a way of attracting attention, for 

 at five months he was a grandstander. Now 

 all retired to give him room. And he 

 struck. He struck with uncommon preci- 

 sion and strength, sending the orange whirl- 

 ing a full foot. He turned, cast a veiled 

 glance at Gloria, and swam away. 



