CHAPTER VII. 



THE TALKING-FISH. 



On the fishing-grounds Exciting sport Curious catches The liv- 

 ing balloon The porcupine-fish Dodging a waterspout The 

 man-eater An exciting chase Tom's adventure with a squid 

 An ink bath The talking-fish Grunts and groupers. 



HIS is the place," said Long 

 John, squinting around 

 to get his bearings. 



u Stand by the port an- 

 chor ! " cried Tom, assuming 

 command with mock gravity 

 and pushing the helm hard 

 down. " Lower away the 

 mainsprit ! Let go port an- 

 chor ! Lay out and furl ! Live- 

 ly there ! " 



In obedience to these man- 

 o'-war orders the killick was dropped, the sprit 

 unshipped, then the mast, and soon all hands 

 were in various positions and ready. 



(132) 



