138 ALONG THE FLORIDA REEF. 



Righting his pail and grasping the line, after 

 considerable playing, Tom lifted in a large fish, 

 which no sooner touched the boat than it com- 

 menced the most remarkable grunting ever heard 

 from a fish. 



" He's a regular talker," said Long John. 



"I didn't know that fishes could make a 

 noise," said Tom. 



" And, if they do, why isn't it a kind of lan- 

 guage ? " asked Harry, as he poked the fish, that 

 rolled its red eyes and gave a series of quick 

 grunts. 



" It is very possible," replied the doctor, 

 "that they use their voices as do all animals, 

 and in this case it certainly means pain, though 

 some claim that fishes do not suffer out of 

 water; but I do not agree with them. Your 

 catch, Tom, is a remarkable vocalist, but it is by 

 no means the only one. If you have had fishing 

 enough, suppose we up anchor and start for 

 home ; we can interview the grunt on the 

 way." 



The anchor was soon up, and the Rosetta 

 headed for the key. On the way the doctor 



