TALES OF FISHES 



avoid the seaweed and to lead him a little more, 

 but to be infinitely careful not to apply too much 

 strain. He circled us again, a few yards closer. 

 The third circle he did not gain a foot. Then he was 

 on his fourth lap around the canoe, drawing closer. 

 On his fifth lap clear round us he came near as fifty 

 feet. I could not resist standing up to see. I got 

 a glimpse of him and he looked long. But I did not 

 say anything to R. C. We had both hooked too 

 many big bonefish that got away immediately. 

 This was another aflFair. 



He circled us the sixth time. Six times! Then 

 he came rather close. On this occasion he saw the 

 canoe. He surged and sped out so swiftly that I 

 was simply paralyzed. R. C. yelled something that 

 had a note of admiration of sheer glory in the spirit 

 of that fish. 



"Here's where he leaves us!" I echoed. 



But, as luck would have it, he stopped that run 

 short of two hundred yards; and turned broadside to 

 circle slowly back, allowing R. C. to get in line. He 

 swam slower this time, and did not make the heavy 

 tugs. He came easily, weaving to and fro. R. C. 

 got him to within twenty-five feet of the boat, yet 

 still could not see him. It was my job to think quick 

 and sit still with ready hands on the anchor rope. 

 He began to plunge, taking a little line each time. 

 Then suddenly I saw R. C.'s line coming toward us. 

 I knew that would happen. 



"Now! Lookout! Reel in fast!" I cried, tensely. 



As I, leaned over to heave up the anchor, I saw 

 the bonefish fiashing nearer. At that instant of 

 thrilling excitement and suspense I could not trust 



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