“Dum it!” muttered George, as he began to row again.
“What’s the trouble, George?” inquired Bob.
“I don’t want to go back and have it said that Hank McBride had a bigger catch than I did. I wish we could get a muscallonge.”
“Isn’t it early for them to run?” said Jock. “I thought they came later.”
“’Tis a bit early, but then we might strike one. I’d like to have you get the first of the season, for I haven’t heard of one being caught yet. There always has to be a first, though, and if we could get it, it would make Hank green with envy. He thinks he’s the boss boatman on the river.”
“You don’t wish so any more than we do,” replied Jock, eagerly. “I’d be willing to give a silver dollar for one.”
“Hush!” said George, quickly.
“What’s wrong?” inquired Jock, innocently.
“Don’t let them hear anything about money. If we should happen to get a muscallonge and they should hear you say anything about money, Hank would declare we’d bought it. It’s the way he always does.”