As he spoke, about a hundred feet in the rear of the boat a good-sized fish leaped from the surface in the sight of them all, and almost seemed to shake himself as a dog does when he has been in the water.
“Bass,” said Ethan, laconically. “Now look out heow ye play him. Don’t give him any slack. Be careful. Keep yer hand on the reel.”
It is doubtful whether Bob heard any of the boatman’s directions, for he was all excitement now. He stood up in the boat and gave all his attention to the fish, which was struggling to free himself. Again and again the tip of the rod was drawn under the water, and the “zip” of the line as it sped from the reel was distinctly heard.
The bass was well hooked, and for a time the struggle became most exciting. Again and again Bob brought the fish near to the boat, and then, with a dart and a rush, away the victim would go, making the reel sing as the line was drawn out.
“Be careful,” muttered Ethan. “You’ll tucker him out pretty quick, an’ then we’ll have him. Give him the line, but don’t let him have any slack. That’s right. Let him go,” he added, as once more the fish darted toward the deeper water.
Bob steadily held to his task, and when he felt that the run of the bass was ended, began once more to reel him in toward the boat. The fish was evidently tired now, and his resistance was much less strong. Nearer and nearer the eager boy brought him, and soon, peering over the side of the boat, could see in the clear water the movements of the struggling fish. Ethan had grasped his landing-net, and was ready for the last effort.
“Bring him up near the boat now,” he said, “and we’ve got him. Look sharp, and don’t give him any slack!” he added, as the fish, perhaps having caught sight of the boat, began once more to struggle desperately. Darting first in one direction and then in another he made the line cut deeply into the water, while more than once he dragged the rod far below the surface.
“Look out, now! Don’t give him any slack! Bring him up alongside!” called Ethan, as with his landing-net in the water he endeavored to thrust it under the struggling fish.
But, alas! in his excitement Bob either neglected the directions given him or was unable to comply, for somehow his grasp on the reel was removed, the line sped out, and when the excited lad began to reel in again, the tension was suddenly relaxed, and with a quick movement of the boat he was thrown back into the chair.
“He’s gone! He’s got away!” exclaimed Bob, ruefully.