As it came in-board Ned stuck a piece of liver on it and let it slide out again.
“Something’s coming!” he cried, jubilantly, his hands pausing upon the line. “I can feel it now, easy! See him jerk?”
“Hurrah!” shouted Hal, excitedly, edging forward, to be ready to help.
Hook two also was quite empty.
“Looks as though the slough’s having a good big feast of liver, anyway!” commented Ned, baiting.
“Hurry,” urged Hal; for now the line just beyond was dipping and surging, under the struggles of something on hook three.
“Say—it’s a turtle! A big soft-shell—I saw him!” exclaimed Ned.
“Oh, shucks!” responded Hal, disgusted. “Yes, there he is!” as a stout flapper darted up into sight and vanished again with a swirl.
Soon the line bent sharply over the side of the boat, and in the water under their eyes the boys could descry the sprawling disk of Mr. Turtle.