What a plunge that was!
"He jumped clean out of the water," exclaimed Jeff.
"You've lost your hook this time, mister, and your bait too. That's a pickerel, and we call him the boss fish."
"It's a bigger fish than I had reckoned on," said the stranger, "or I'd have brought a heavier rod and tackle."
"He'll snap any line you've got."
"We'll see."
The pickerel had felt the sharp point of that small hook, and he was now darting off toward the mouth of the creek.
The fat man took it coolly, holding his rod with one hand, while the other rested on the large bright brass reel, that was now spinning around as the fish drew the line out.
The tough little rod was bending, but there was no great strain upon it.
"He won't run far. Here he comes back again."