Silence followed and the contest continued. Excited as Walter was, he nevertheless was mindful of his every act. Again and again he reeled the huge fish near the boat, only to have the pickerel, which was fighting for its life, dart swiftly away. The reel “sang,” but Walter, mindful now of the care and skill required, did not for a moment relax his vigilance. Steadily and cautiously he reeled his victim back toward the boat, until at last the huge pickerel was plainly to be seen.
“It’s a monster!” exclaimed Walter excitedly, as he obtained his first view of the great fish. “It’s the biggest pickerel I ever saw.”
“Tire him out,” said Dan quietly. “It’s your only chance.”
Once more the fish, as it saw the occupants of the skiff, darted swiftly away, but Walter was wiser now, as well as more careful, and giving his victim a free line he did not begin to reel again until the pull ceased upon his line. His excitement redoubled, but Dan smiled approvingly as he marked his friend’s caution. Three times more the desperate pickerel darted away, but the run was shorter each time and there was less resistance each successive time that the young fisherman reeled in his victim.
“Bring him alongside now,” directed Dan. “Be careful! If he touches the boat with his tail he’ll get a purchase and break away. There! That’s right! I’ll have to use a gaff on him, the net is too small. Good! That’s exactly where I want him!”
Taking his gaff, Dan suddenly thrust it under the pickerel and then with one quick, strong pull brought the great fish into the skiff. Despite the floppings and flounderings of the safely landed fish, Dan gave it one hard blow with a short hickory club and its struggles were ended.
“That’s what I always do,” he explained. “I don’t want to keep a fish in misery; and, besides, it’s better eating if killed quickly.”
“Dan! Dan! Look there!” abruptly exclaimed Walter in a low voice, and as his companion looked up, instantly he saw what had aroused the attention of his companion. Not more than five yards away, and swimming near the border of the rushes, was the huge snake which Walter had seen a few hours previous to this time.