346 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 ccurtesy 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, mirabile 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 déjeuner, 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 paces. By this time nearly all my line was in, and 
