“He has stopped now,” said Dick in a hoarse whisper as the bladder gleamed quite white a few yards away from the reeds, and gently rose and fell in the ripple caused by the wind.
“Why, he’s gone!” said Tom in a disappointed tone.
Bob went the bladder as if to contradict him, giving one sharp movement, and then remaining still once more.
“Nay, he hasn’t gone,” said Dave. “Give him a bit more time. We’ll set another while we’re waiting.”
As he spoke he laid the pole across the head of the punt, and quickly baiting another of his hooks, dropped it over the boat side away from the direction in which they had to go; and after checking it once or twice till the bait took the right course, he let it go.
Meanwhile, the lads were impatiently watching the bladder, which now remained perfectly still; and in imagination they saw a monstrous pike swallowing the unfortunate gudgeon which bore the hook.
“Theer!” said Dave, rising and taking up his pole. “He’ve hed plenty time now. Get the basket ready, young squire Dick. Think it’ll hold him?”
“If it won’t we’ll curl him round, Dave,” said the lad, laughing. “Now Tom, don’t miss.”
The boat approached slowly, and Tom was awkwardly placed; but Dave was prepared for this, and after giving the little vessel a sharp impulse he thrust down the pole to the bottom, and checked the head, so that the stern swung round and gave Tom a fair chance, which he stood ready to seize as the boat drew nearer.
They were soon only about ten yards away, and the bladder remained so motionless that the lads’ hearts sank with disappointment, for it seemed as if the bait had been left.