THE TALKING-FISH. 133 



The lines were mostly smaller than a cod- 

 line, but very strong — the sinker on the bottom, 

 and the hook about four or six inches above it — 

 this rig being necessary in fishing in the coral, 

 the sinker always resting on the bottom, allow- 

 ing the baited hook to swing clear. Tom had 

 his line over first, and consequently was the first 

 to lose his bait. By the time he had hauled up, 

 the others had all thrown over. 



" I've caught him ! " cried Dick, giving a tre- 

 mendous pull. A jerk at the other end sent the 

 line whizzing through his fingers. 



" Take a turn around the rowlock," suggested 

 Harry, laughing at his violent exertions. 



" No, I have him," repeated Dick ; and wind- 

 ing the line around his hand he managed to 

 start the fish. Now he would gain a little, then 

 the fish would get it back ; but finally the cap- 

 tive was drawn to the surface, and with a lift 

 brought into the boat. It had an enormous 

 wide-open mouth, and in color was reddish- 

 brown and yellow. 



" A grouper," said Long John. " That's a 

 good catch." 



