TARPON FISHING. "7 
which we knew would come. The stout rod bent like a reed, and 
the carefully tested line sung from the reel in spite of the strong 
friction of the leather check pressed firmly against it; but the strain 
was too great to last, and the line ran out slower and slower and 
presently the reel ceased to turn; but with a strong, steady pull the 
great fish moved steadily on, towing our boat: rapidly behind him. 
TARPON. 
Suddenly the bent rod straightened with a spring. It needed no cry 
from Will to tell me the fish had doubled and was headed towards 
us. I heard -him grunt as he threw his weight on the oars, and, 
holding my rod firmly, the butt well braced, I awaited the coming 
strain. Almost instantly it came. Again that stout old rod bent 
like a bow and the reel hummed, and again, shaking his head 
savagely, the tarpon threw himself fully two feet above the water. 
