“No, it’s a fish. I’m sure of it,” answered Spouter. “I felt it pull.”
All crowded closer to give Spouter whatever advice and assistance they could. Even Gif tried to pull in on the line, but without avail. Finally, however, Spouter twisted the line a little to one side, and then up came the hook and attached to it what looked like the remains of an old hunting boot.
“Well, what do you know about that!” cried Spouter, in disgust. “Nothing but an old boot!”
“And I’ll bet it was caught in between the loose roots of the trees,” said Jack. And then there was a general laugh, in which even Spouter joined.
It was nearly five o’clock before the boys got into the rowboat again and started to return to the bungalow. They had fifteen perch and seven pickerel to their credit, and of this catch they were justly proud.
“We’ll have one dandy fish supper to-night,” said Randy, smacking his lips. “And we won’t have Jeff here to burn it up for us, either.”
“Yum, yum! I can smell the frying fish already,” murmured Gif.
The boys took turns at rowing and soon reached the lake proper and then sent the craft flying in the direction of the bungalow. As they came close to the dock Spouter, who was looking ahead, set up a sudden shout of wonder.
“Hello! what do you know about this? The other boats are gone!”