“Oh, long before we was born, or our grandfathers, I expect!” said Josh.
“The more reason why I should examine it,” said Mr Temple. “I suppose,” he added aloud, “we can land here?”
“Oh yes, while the sea’s like this! You couldn’t if she was rough. The rocks would come through her bottom before you knowed where you were.”
“Is it going to be rough, did you say?” said Arthur eagerly.
“Yes, some day,” said Josh. “Not while the wind’s off the shore.”
“Taff, Taff! Here! I’ve got him!” cried Dick excitedly; and his words had such an effect upon Arthur that he started up and was nearly pitched overboard; only saving himself by making a snatch at his father, one hand knocking off Mr Temple’s hat, the other seizing his collar.
“You had better practise getting your sea-legs, Master Arthur,” said his father. “There, give me your hand.”
Arthur longed to refuse the proffered help, for he knew that both Josh and Will were smiling; but he felt as if the boat kept running away from beneath him, and then, out of a sheer teasing spirit, rose up again to give the soles of his feet a good push, and when it did this there was a curious giddy feeling in his head.
So he held tightly by his father’s hand while he stepped over the seat, and then hurriedly went down upon his knees by where Dick was holding the line, at the end of which some fish was tugging and straining furiously.
“Here you are!” cried Dick, handing the line to his brother. “He’s a beauty! A pollack, I know; and when you get him he’s all orange, and green, and gold!”