FISH MEETS CANNY ANGLER 91 



the fish, fangs sinking deep. Had it been its 

 cousin the water moccasin, poison would 

 have killed. But the water snake's bite is 

 not poisonous. But the fangs pierced and 

 tore the flesh, and flowing blood dyed the 

 water. 



The conflict drew them too near the nest, 

 and for all he was fighting for his life Old 

 Black Bass was the parent on vigil; he 

 maneuvered the snake away from the bed. 

 To avoid another slash from the fangs he 

 leaped clear of the water. Descending he 

 cut through and attacked. 



Suddenly he knew he would win, and the 

 great joy of the conflict took possession of 

 him. Here at last he could fight without 

 reproach. His great jaws opened and sharp 

 gleaming teeth were bare. Eight inches 

 back of the head he caught the snake and 

 closed down. Giant maxillaries clamped 

 over the body in a vice like the tireless jaws 

 of a bull dog. 



The snake arched its ribs to break the 

 hold, but only was crushed the more ; con- 

 tracted to ease the pain, but was pierced 

 near through. There was still length 

 enough to permit strike, and, arching, the 



