The line caught on a bush and broke short off, but Chris was making for the lean-to with championship speed and knew it not.
Charley picked up the severed line and held up the prize to view.
"The biggest, fattest eel I ever saw," he declared exultantly. "Guess it must have been the first one Chris ever saw. They certainly do look like snakes."
"Keep it out of sight till we hear what he says," Walter said, and Charley with a smile agreed.
The captain gathered up the fish and stringing them upon a cord slung them over his shoulder.
In a few minutes they were back at the camp, where they found Chris stretched out on the ground breathing heavily, his face an ashen hue.
"Why you-alls doan come when Chris hollers for help?" he demanded indignantly. "'Pears like you don't care if dis nigger's killed."
"We came as soon as we could, Chris," said Walter, soothingly, "what was the trouble, anyway?"
Chris, mollified, sat up. "Done got into nest ob snakes," he declared, "reckon I killed fifty of 'em, but more and more kept coming so I had to run. Golly, I 'spect thar was mighty nigh a hundred chased me most to camp. Dat's why I yells for you-alls."
The captain smilingly laid down the string of fish, and Chris' countenance fell.