The shark had leaped clear of the water, and there was a loud splash as it fell back.
"I think we've got a whale instead of a shark," Bob declared.
"I've seen 'em bigger nor that feller."
They turned to find the second mate, Josh Kelley, standing close by the rail.
"How long do you reckon that fellow is?" Mr. Lakewood asked him.
"Not more'n eighteen feet," Josh replied.
"Isn't that pretty good sized?" Bob asked, as the fish again broke water.
"'Bout half grown."
"I'd add seven or eight feet to your estimate," Mr. Lakewood told him.
"Bet he isn't twenty."