"And he's very good at it," said Mr. Brown to his wife as he and Bunny began to wash. "He took me to a number of quiet coves, and we got some big fish. Bunny caught the prize of the day, and it would have got loose from its hook if Tom had not slipped a net under it in time. Bunny was delighted."
"I'm glad of that. But what about this boy? Are we going to keep him with us?"
"I think so, for a while. He'll be useful about the camp, now that I have to be away so much. And, too, he's perfectly safe with the children. He'll look well after them. Besides I want to look into this queer story he tells about the hermit Bixby and the needles."
"Do you think there is anything in it?"
"Well, there may be—and something queer, too. I want to find out what it is. Tom can sleep in that little extra tent we brought. Now how is supper coming on? Can I help?"
"No, I think Uncle Tad has done everything but clean the fish, and——
"Here comes Tom with them now," said Mrs. Brown. "And you must be sure to speak of Sue's pie."
"I will. That little girl is getting to be a regular housekeeper. She'll soon have your place," and Mr. Brown shook his finger at his wife.
Tom brought up the cleaned and washed fish. Mrs. Brown dried them in old towels, dipped them in batter and soon they were frying in the pan. By this time the cakes and pies were set out, and in a little while supper was ready.
And how good those freshly caught fish tasted! Bunny declared his was the best, and really it did seem so, for it was a splendid bass.