“You act as if you had caught something you want us to see,” said Ben, as he ran before his companions. “Let’s see your fish.”
The muscallonge had not been placed with the other fish, and as Ben glanced down at the row which had been spread in order on the grass, he therefore did not see the prize of which his friends were so justly proud.
“You did well, but we’ve beaten you!” he exclaimed, as Bert and Hank McBride now came up to view the victims.
“That’s pooty good,” remarked the elder boatman. “You’ve done very well for beginners. George is improving every day, and it won’t be long afore he’ll do ’most as well as men of experience,” he added complacently.
George made no response except to wink soberly at Bob, and then turned with the boys to examine the catch which Hank’s party had made.
They certainly had been very successful, and as the fish were taken from the box and placed in a row upon the grass, both Jock and Bob were loud in their words of praise. Several large pike served to increase the effect, and when at last all the fish had been seen, it was perceived that in numbers and weight Hank’s party had exceeded that of the other.
“Come into the house, boys, and get some milk,” called George. “You must be hungry by this time.”
Before entering, the boys all went to the barrel, which stood beneath a corner of the eaves, and dipping from the rain-water stored there, washed their faces in the tin basin. Refreshed by the act, they then all followed the boatman, and seated themselves before the table, on which the housewife had placed a large pitcher of milk and several earthen cups.
The milk speedily disappeared, and the pitcher was again filled before the boys rose from their seats.
“How much shall we pay you for the milk?” inquired Jock, as he turned to go out into the yard again.