THE BOOK OF THE TARPON 



"I know all about that and I like to swim. 

 Shall we run up to Punta Gorda for the Green 

 Pea, this morning? Tide'U help us both ways 

 if we get off soon." 



The Green Pea was a little skiff, short and 

 wide with a broad rudder and a tiny motor with 

 reverse gear. It was built for the Camera-man 

 who sat in the bow with camera and plates while 

 the boy in the stern, controlling motor and rud- 

 der, backed and filled and almost turned the 

 craft on its center as he placed it wherever di- 

 rected. 



When we returned from Punta Gorda the 

 captain advised anchoring in a cove south of 

 Boca Grande, saying, "We're goin' to have a 

 nor'wester and may need some trees to tie to. 

 The Irene isn't a deep water boat." 



"What makes you think we are going to have 

 a nor'wester?" 



"Feel it in my bones." 



"But that is all nonsense," said I. "It's only 

 a guess of yours and a bad one." 



"Bet you a dollar the wind blows a gale from 

 the nor'west all day to-morrow!" 



"The only reason I won't bet is because I 

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