A few minutes passed. Then Jim jerked his line hurriedly and began to pull in with a feverish expression. It lasted until a big black fish made its appearance, dangling from the hook, and then it was suddenly succeeded by a look of intense disgust, as a final wriggle released the prisoner, which fell back with a splash into the water.
“Well, I’m blessed!” said Jim wrathfully.
“Hard luck!” said Harry.
“Try again, Jimmy, and stick to him this time,” counselled Wally, in a fatherly tone.
“Oh, you shut up,” Jim answered, re-baiting his hook. “I didn’t catch an old boot, anyhow!”—which pertinent reflection had the effect of silencing Wally, amidst mild mirth on the part of the other members of the expedition.
Scarcely a minute more, and Norah pulled sharply at her line and began to haul in rapidly.
“Got a whale?” inquired Jim.
“Something like it!” Norah pulled wildly.
“Hang on!”
“Stick to him!”