Ben went up the steps and peeped around the end of the cabin.
"Good! they are away off where they can't see us. Come on; I'll help you up."
"I'd like to know what you two fellows ran down below for just then?" said the captain.
The boys pretended not to hear the remark; and just then Marcus shouted, "There's a school!"
The boys turned in alarm, thinking only of their own affairs and the only school that interested them; but the captain, turning the vessel's bow, quickly answered, "Good! Bring the lines and bait."
The lines were soon ready, the bait thrown overboard, and the vessel brought-to before the wind.
As they drew near the "school," and could see the countless multitudes fairly leaping, Ben forgot his disgust over the ill-smelling bait, and eagerly watched the fishermen as they dexterously tended the lines and landed their flapping prey on the deck.
Ralph was too sick to give any more than a passing glance at the work; but Ben cried, "That's the fun!--Give me some hooks, Marcus, and let me help."
"Help yourself! there's plenty there. One will be all you can manage though," said Marcus, snapping a fish from one of the hooks with a jerk.
"Come on, Ralph! perhaps you'll feel better to stir about. Shan't I get you a line? I tell you it looks lively out here! The water is all alive with fish, just jumping and turning somersaults--regular acrobats!"