CHAPTER XII 



WING SHOTS AT SEA 



IT was rumored that a certain Venetian had cor- 

 nered the flying-fish market. Matters were still 

 further complicated by whispers of a trust, and 

 that a privileged few were to combine and squeeze 

 the wealthy anglers. That there was some truth in 

 this became apparent when the flying-fishes, which 

 up to this time had been a drug in the market flying- 

 fishes which insisted upon flying into boats over night 

 and upon the beach during the daytime became so 

 scarce that they were quoted at a dollar apiece, while 

 there was a well-credited report that a certain tuna 

 expert and enthusiast had paid five dollars for a 

 single fish. This corner, it was said, was conducted 

 with skill and caused no little commotion in fishing 

 circles, among the adventurous sportsmen who fol- 

 lowed the tuna, and their men and gaffers. The 

 leaping tunas were making the sea boil, and bait 

 must be had; yet it increased in price until only the 

 affluent or the very reckless could go out, or those 

 who had the temerity to filch from others the much 

 desired bait. 



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