TARPON FISHING. 



77 



which we knew would come. The stout rod bent Hke a reed, and 

 the carefully tested line sung from the reel in spite of the strong 

 friction of the leather check pressed firmly against it ; but the strain 

 was too great to last, and the line ran out slower and slower and 

 presently the reel ceased to turn ; but with a strong, steady pull the 

 great fish moved steadily on, towing our boat rapidly behind him. 



\ 



Suddenl}^ the bent rod straightened with a spring. It needed no cry 

 from Will to tell me the fish had doubled and was headed towards 

 us. I heard him grunt as he threw his weight on the oars, and, 

 holding my rod firmly, the butt well braced, I awaited the coming 

 strain. Almost instantly it came. Again that stout old rod bent 

 like a bow and the reel hummed, and again, shaking his head 

 savagely, the tarpon threw himself fully two feet above the water. 



