CHAPTER VII. 



THE TALKING-FISH. 



On the fishing-grounds — Exciting sport — Curious catches — The liv- 

 ing balloon — The porcupine-fish — Dodging a waterspout — The 

 man-eater — An exciting chase — Tom's adventure with a squid 

 — An ink bath — The talking-fish — Grunts and groupers. 



f HIS is the place," said Long 



John, squinting around 



to get his bearings. 



" Stand by the port an- 



chor ! " cried Tom, assuming 



command with mock gravity 



and pushing the helm hard 



down. " Lower away the 



mainsprit ! Let go port an- 



or ! Lay out and furl ! Live- 



ere 



-,-■ r 



In obedience to these man- 

 o'-war orders the killick was dropped, the sprit 

 unshipped, then the mast, and soon all hands 

 were in various positions and ready. 



(152) 



