“But, my stars! if he hooks a big shark while he’s sitting in that punkin seed of a boat, there’s bound to be a warm old circus!” Herb declared.
Some little time passed, and those aboard the anchored motor boats, busily engaged in their various occupations, had almost forgotten about the bitter rivalry going on so near by, when suddenly they were startled by a great shout.
“It’s Nick, this time!” exclaimed Jack, as he jumped to the side of the Tramp to observe what was taking place.
“And say, he’s fast to a whopper, as sure as you live!” cried Herb.
George added his contribution on the heels of the rest.
“That string’s broke away, just as I expected, and there goes Nick and the punkin seed, full tilt for the inlet! By all that’s out, fellows, he must have caught a whale that time, fresh run from the sea. Hi! hold on there, Nick, that’s my boat!”
[CHAPTER II.]
THE WARNING RATTLE.
Jack Stormways was a quick-witted lad. He had proved this fact on numerous occasions in the past, within the memory of his chums.