The next morning as soon as it was light they rowed to the place where the big pike lay. Everything was very still and quiet, and shrouded in a light grey mist, as they pushed their way along a narrow channel to the pool. They had brought with them their strongest rod and their stoutest line, and they carefully tried every knot and fastening of their tackle before commencing to fish. The next most important thing was to bait the water-hen or arm her with hooks properly. This was done by tying a number of hooks lightly to her with thread, and ruffling the feathers so as to conceal them.
"Poor thing," said Dick, as Frank took up the rod and swung her into the pool.
By keeping a slight pull on the line the bird was induced to turn in the opposite direction, and to swim towards the middle of the pool.
"Another minute or two will show if our plan is successful," said Frank, "and if not, the bird shall be let loose."
"I don't feel much faith in it now," said Jimmy.
When the bird reached the centre of the pool she dived.
"Oh dear, I did not expect that," said Frank. "What shall we do now?"
"She must come up again presently. The pool is twelve feet deep, and she cannot cling to the bottom."
"I felt her give such a pull just now. She is struggling hard to escape," said Frank, who was still letting out line.
Two or three minutes passed away, and still the bird did not make her appearance.