10 ALONG THE FLORIDA REEF. 



said Captain Ellis, joining them ; " and as there 

 is no wind you may as well go ashore." 



The boys were only too delighted, and after 

 a hurried breakfast the little dinghy was low- 

 ered away, and they were soon pulling up the 

 blue channel that skirted the Key. The Keys 

 were picturesque islands, with white, sandy 

 beaches, covered with a mass of low bay -cedars. 



When nearly opposite a little bay, some cu- 

 rious fins were seen cutting the water. 



" Sharks ! " exclaimed Dick, looking over his 

 shoulder. 



" I think so," replied Tom, wisely. 



" Don't make any noise, boys ! " whispered 

 Dick, as he made a long lead or sounding-line 

 fast to the thwarts, then with grains in hand 

 stood prepared for action, as the boat neared the 

 mysterious fins. 



" Here's one coming this way," he added, 

 raising the pole as he spoke. Hardly had he 

 uttered the words when a great black body ap- 

 peared near the bow and he let drive, with a 

 result that almost appalled them. A large fish, 

 in appearance like a monster bird, rose partly 



