The young moon was now getting of a size to give considerable light for much of the night, and this fact afforded every one much satisfaction, since it took away from the gloom of the dense forest, that was peopled with unknown evil things.
Sandy and Bob sat on deck, after supper had been eaten, and the younger members of the expedition were being put to sleep in the cabin. Some of the men were smoking their long pipes, and talking in low tones near by. Doubtless they felt well pleased over the way things were going, and their conversation may have been along about the same lines as marked that of the two lads.
“Three good days, and all is well,” remarked Sandy, who had a fishing line over the side, with which he expected to take in a number of fine prizes before thinking of sleep.
“Yes, and if this sort of thing would only keep up right along, nobody would complain, that I know of,” Bob added; for he was feeling very comfortable after the good supper he had enjoyed a short time before.
“Oh! that was a fierce bite, all right!” exclaimed Sandy, giving a jerk to his stout line; “and I’ve got him, too, I do believe! My goodness! how he pulls, Bob! Now, I hope he doesn’t break loose! This must be the biggest fish I’ve had hold of yet.”
Bob, of course, offered to lend a hand in order to get the prize in; but Sandy, with all a fisherman’s ardor, would not think of allowing such a thing.
And presently, after a deal of pulling, and expressing fears that he might lose his hard-fighting prize, Sandy managed to drag the fish aboard. It proved to be a very large specimen of what has since become known as the buffalo fish, found along the whole length of the Ohio, and which is considered fairly good for the table.
To these people of the early days such a feast was always eagerly welcomed; and, of course, all the women had to come out to see the noble proportions of Sandy’s capture, even the children following, filled with delight because it meant a feast for all.
Although the persistent fisherman kept up the good work, and landed several more of the same species of fish, none approached in size his first capture; but, then, by the time Sandy was ready to take in his line, for he was yawning sadly, the moon had crept along to top the trees toward the southwest, and he had secured an abundance for their temporary wants.