1346 



PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



Here was an adventure truly, but one out of which I could 

 scarcely expect success. Running out something like fif- 

 teen yards, the interloper became stationary, and well I 

 knew he had returned to his sanctum, probably to pouch 

 the bait at pleasure. With but a slight strain upon my 

 rod, I waited on the will of his mightiness, hoping it would 

 not be long ere his royal pleasure would dictate swallowing 

 the booty. Ten minutes, at least, I remained in statu quo, 

 when, supposing due courtesy had been extended, I took a 

 slight pull, just by way of reminder. Alas ! the chub came 

 away, and, being now dead, combined with the rapidity of 

 the water, trailed upon the surface. I was not disappoint- 

 ed the result was but probable. Commencing to reel up 

 to divest my hook of the mangled carcass, I had not more 

 than taken a few feet in when, mirdbile dictu, the same ep- 

 isode was enacted, and the unfortunate disfigured remains 

 of the shiner were borne off, apparently to the same loca- 

 tion. Patiently now I determined to rest, hoping against 

 chance that, in sportive mood, while playing with his in- 

 tended dejeuner, his highness would get the point of the in- 

 sidious hook attached to his royal person. 



What time elapsed I know not, but my necessary inert- 

 ness and the disagreeableness of my position induced me to 

 endeavor to bring the drama to a finish. With a gentle 

 strain I evoked a succession of rapid, quick jerks, admon- 

 ishing me that I had a gentleman of short temper to deal 

 with. Gradually I continued shortening my line, which, 

 although an unusual proceeding thus early, I succeeded in 

 doing without the least hinderance. Still the dead strain 

 that existed proclaimed that no ordinary contestant was at 

 the other end. In all my previous experience I had never 

 seen a fish come without an effort almost up to my hand, 

 without once making a rush or giving a chance to judge 

 of his pnces. By this time nearly all my line was in, and 



