“Not a very large one,” he said, “two or three pounds perhaps. There, I think you can haul that in; I’ll lift it into the boat with the gaff.”
“Oh, don’t touch it with that,” cried Jack quickly; “it’s all snaky, and we shall want to eat the fish.”
“I’ll give it a good wash in the water,” said the mate, smiling.
“No; let me lift it in when I get it to the side,” said Jack excitedly. “Yes, it’s coming now.”
“But if you try to lift it in, the hook will drag out of the fish’s jaws,” said the mate.
“Yes; let him lift it in, Jack,” said the doctor. “Don’t let it get away, or it will go and tell all the other fish not to bite.”
“Of course,” said Jack dryly, “and give a full description of me and my line.”
“I shall have to try a fresh bait,” said the doctor, beginning to draw in.
“I caught a glimpse of him,” said Jack, as he hauled slowly on his line. “How strong a fish is in the water!—Ah!—Oh, I say, Mr Bartlett, how can you say it is not a big one!” cried the lad, as there was a tremendous jerk given at the line, and then a series of sharp tugs, followed by a steady drag which made the line begin to run through the fisher’s hands again.
“It cuts! it hurts! I can’t hold it!” cried Jack excitedly, and he was about to let go, when Edward caught hold, and then the mate’s firm strong hands reached over and took hold of the line beyond his and began to haul.