88 OLD BLACK BASS 



This especially gave Old Black Bass con- 

 cern. The drops fell on the surface and 

 disturbed it, rolling like white diamonds 

 dangerously near the nest. 



For Old Black Bass the hand became an 

 instrument of danger. He approached it 

 and receded, threshed the water near it, 

 tried to frighten it away. He was not suc- 

 cessful. But he did not flee. Instead he 

 did a thing which many bass at mating time 

 have been known to do. He rushed the 

 hand, leaped clear of the water, and struck 

 it. 



The great surging body and the impact 

 frightened the boy, and he turned and went 

 back; while Old Black Bass dropped down 

 in rejoicing. His reward came when 

 Friendly slipped up to him and touched his 

 side with her lips. 



But he was to be called on still further 

 to protect his nest and his mate. Only the 

 next day a great water snake slid out over 

 the bottom in search of fish eggs. It was 

 three feet and one inch from fang to tail; 

 and during the years of its life had many 

 times glided over clean-fanned spawn beds 

 and gorged. 



