"I just went down to see if the anchor got to the bottom," explained
Jack a moment later, as he scrambled over the side.
"We thought you were going to dive for the fish," said Pepper, "like the hawks do."
"Maybe I will try that later," replied Jack, shaking himself like a dog to get rid of some of the water. "Now, then, who is going to get the first bite."
For the next few moments the boys were busy getting their tackle in order and into the water, after which they settled down to await results.
"I had almost forgotten," broke in Jack after a pause, as the fish did not seem eager to be caught. "I met Colonel Snow this morning—"
"Indeed," said Rand sarcastically, "that's news."
"Now you needn't go off at half-cock," retorted Jack, "wait until
I get through."
"Well, what about it?" asked Donald.
"Why, he said—Hurrah, I've got a bite!" cried Jack, pulling in his line.
"He did!" exclaimed Rand. "That was a queer thing for him to say."