The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1846-10-09
OTTAWA, ILLINOIS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER g. 1916

tlon may he relied on, as by ladies
Of the present generation. These
were the fish proposed to be taken
by our little party, each of whom had
been for an hour busy in the requi-
site preparations. Luke had freed
the boat of all Impurities, placed
seats in appropriate situations for
ease and comfort, procured bait, and
looked at the hooks and lines, to see
that all were right. The two young
ladies, on their part, had been equal
ly Industrious, and at two o'clock all
was ready for start.
'Now take your seats said Luke,
on reaching the boat, 'and keep as
still as two girls cam
You shall find us miracles of sub
mission, Captain Hathaway said
Mary Wilson, hopping into the boat
FThat will be best known when
the voyage is up observed Luke,
starting the boat eff as lie stood on
the beach.
'lloldn said Mary, 'one moment.
There is one thing yet to be done,
and that before leaving port
'What is that?' inquired Luke,
holding on upon the rope, as he still
stood on the shore.
'The vessel is not provided with a
matr,' she replied. We must have
a mate, or Mary Wilson stays on
shore
'Oh! you shall be nate said Jul
liza; you may as well commence now
as any way, since you have engoged
to be captain Hathaway's mate on
much longer voyage than The one
we are now entering upon
Mary bit her lips, but held her
peace, like one fairly bit. Hatha-
way instantly relieved her of her
embarrassment, by Ieaping into the
boat, and sending it, by sudden
stroke, far out on t e bosom Of the
water.
TIE best fishing ground then, as
now, was near the centre Of the south
pond and 10 that point Luke drove
tie boat, while the girls uncoiled the
lines, and otherwise prepared for the
expected sport. When near tie
place at which it was intended TO
Try their luck, Luke held up, and
properly charged the hooks which
the girls had selected.
Drop in now said Luke, as he
brought the light boat broad side to
the gentle breeze.
you may find them near tie sur
face, or you may find them lying We
ry deep
Cor we may not find them at all,
said Mary Wilson, intcrrupting him.
1T can only be ascertained on tri-
all continued Mr. Hathaway. 'They
are a singular fish in their habits.
Like some young ladies', they are at
times out of our reach, and at Others
so eager there is no getting rid OF
them. They are like ladies in an
other reSpect-whcn hooked they
must he hauled in quick, or ten
Chances to one they Will slip THEN
hold
That is a libel, Mr. Hathaway.
said SuIia, giving her line a twitya as
though size had a bite.
My bait is gone said Mary,
throwing her hook over 70 Luke, who
sat with worm in lis fingers ready
for use.
j have done Letter than that =
exclaimed Caroline, i have caught.
a horn poutn said Luke, as size
threw one of these pests into th,
boat. q shall do his business for him,
continued Mr. Hathaway, TRUSTING
the blade Of his jack-knirc througl
the ugly head of the fish, and holding
him down while diSenga ing the hook
from his jaws. NO more of that tribe
if you can help it, Miss Walpolc
they are ugly customers, and may 4,
well be left in the pond
Here is a perch for y.un cx.
claimed Mary, throwing one of thos,
beautiful fish at the feet of Luke, t.
which her hook was fastened.
GVoS' so;d Julc and IA, r,,t,,