HAULING THE SEINE. 261 



counterparts of the days, and as the party 

 pushed off after supper, carrying the seine piled 

 in a great heap in the bow, and with collecting- 

 cans stowed in between the seats, the moon was 

 just rising over Bush Key, casting a flood of 

 radiance over the lagoon, and lighting up the 

 sands of Long Key until they gleamed like sil- 

 ver. Not a sound could be heard save the 

 creaking of the oars and their monotonous 

 clink in the rowlocks, or an occasional splash 

 from the outer reef, followed by a thunder- 

 ing crash, telling of some huge fish that had 

 essayed to leave its native element and had 

 fallen heavily back in obedience to the law of 

 gravity. 



The pull to Bush Key was a short one, and 

 soon the boat rounded to near the mangrove 

 roots. 



" Now, boys," said the doctor, " we must 

 work carefully. Don't rush in too quickly, or 

 you will tear the net. Two of you take the end 

 and run it out ; and when it is stretched we will 

 all move toward Bush Key beach, some of you 

 tossinir out the roots." 



