“But he’s carrying quite a weight of line,� Teddy said, with a chuckle. “He’ll have that to remember you by, Roy.�
“Like fun he will!� his brother cried. “He knows his apples, that fish. He’ll just swim around a stump a few times, tangle the line in it, give a jerk and he’s free. I know that kind. Some of ’em can speak Greek and Latin.�
The boys fished with fair luck for an hour or so longer, Teddy landing two large ones and Roy three smaller trout. The “whopper� that had struck Roy’s line did not return, though the ranch lad had coaxed him with all the brightly colored flies in his packet.
“Getting sort of late,� Teddy remarked, as he stood on the bank adjusting a hook. “What say we cut for home? We’ve got quite a ride ahead of us, you know. Let’s get started.�
Roy nodded.
“I just want to make one more cast. Something tells me that the big fellow I hooked first is still hanging around. If he is, and wants some more fun, I’ll give it to him! Just once more, Teddy.�
The boy drew back his rod for a cast. His arm still bent back, Teddy caught his wrist. Roy looked up in surprise.
“What—â€� he began. Then he saw the look on his brother’s face and stopped.
“Keep quiet!� Teddy whispered. “Through the bushes there! See? A man on horseback!�
Roy stared intently. But he did not get a good view of the intruder, for the sound of a pony breaking trail came to the ears of the boys at that moment, and the horse and rider disappeared.