“Don’t use worms? What do you have for bait, then, I’d like to know?”
“Minnows, little fish.”
“I should think it would hurt ’em if you put ’em on the hook,” drawled Bob; “I’m too tender-hearted for that.”
“You won’t have to hurt your tender feelings, Bob,” laughed Jock. “Ethan does all that for you. That’s the advantage of having a boatman, you see.”
“Ah, yes, I see,” replied Bob, with a sigh of relief.
But the breakfast was now brought in, and in a moment all other things were forgotten as the boys fell to with a will, and ate as only hungry boys in the early morning air of the St. Lawrence can eat.
When this task was at last completed, they started eagerly toward the dock, and as they approached they discovered Ethan watching for them. He had already hoisted his sail and all things were ready for the departure.
As the boys leaped on board, they noticed the beautiful little craft of which Ethan was the proud owner; but as he was evidently eager to set sail at once, no remarks were made until after the boat was free from the dock. Then the strong breeze and the swift current combined to send them swiftly on their way down the river, and in the exhilaration of the scene the boys for a moment gave free play to their feelings.
“You don’t often have a day like this, do you, Ethan?” said Jock.
“Hey? oh, we have ’em ’most as often as they come.”