And so it was! How disappointed Russ was! The bit of green seaweed, catching on his line, had wiggled and tugged, as the tide swayed it, just as a crab would have done.
"Oh, I have one! I have one!" suddenly called Laddie, from his end of the boat. "He's a big one! He's pulling like anything!"
"Well, don't get excited and fall overboard," said Daddy Bunker. "Keep still, pull up slowly, and I'll get him in the net for you."
Slowly Laddie pulled up. Every one was watching. Would his "bite," too, prove to be only seaweed?
"Yes, you have one!" said Mother Bunker in a low voice, so as not to frighten the crab. I don't really know whether loud noises frighten crabs or not, but generally every one keeps quiet when fishing.
"Yes, Laddie has a crab," said Daddy Bunker. "Wait, now, I'll get it in the net!"
THE CRAB HAD HOLD OF LADDIE'S BAIT IN BOTH CLAWS.
Six Little Bunkers at Cousin Tom's.—Page [120]
Laddie's father dipped the net down into the water, shoved it under the crab, chunk of meat and all, and lifted it suddenly out of the water. The crab had hold of Laddie's bait in both claws, and before the creature could let go it had been caught.
"Oh, look at him wriggle!" cried Rose.