The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-15


further interest in his movements than
that prompted by the curiosity OF the
usual sght-seer. The Ruth is tho a
handsome nor a particularly speedy
craft. Before the wind She is not at
all fast. but she nevertheless showed
us her heels very clcveriy in the eight
mile run to Abial's Ledge. which. from
the Ruths course Abe Goddard speedily
determined was the presidential desina-
ton. Abials Ledge Is a famous spot
for squcetague, and 1t probably has the
distinction OF having furnished more
squeetague for Cleycand's hook than
any similar ledge in BuZzard Bay.
They'll bite there If theyn bite at
all" remarked my skipper. He let me
take the tiler and | too steered for
Abial's ledge.
| felt much as I fancy a pirate captain
must have felt when overhauliug a mot
chant vessel. the only difference being
that ! did not overhaul the Ruth. The
Ruth selected the upper end of the ledge
and came TO anchor fully ten minutes
ahead Of US. We. or at least, Skipper
Goddard selected the lower end of the
ledge. though he regretfully admitted
that the Ruth had the advantage of po-
sition as far as the FISH were concern
ed. That was of little moment to me,
for | was far more anxious 10 see Mr..
Cleveland catch fish than to catch them
myself.
When the Hattie Tuthll came 10 an
Choir the presidential rod was in position
and the presidential eye was eagerly
bent upon its utmost extremity.
Or. Bryant was also holding his rod
expectautly and had that care-worn ex-
preston that is never seen except upon
the faces of fishermen and bicyclists
Mr. Cleveland looked as solemn as If h'
had Just heard that there had been an
other massacre of missionaries at Foo
ChOo. His expression Of cOuntcnanc'
was combination of sad tension, eager
ness ana expectation. | was not ned
enough 10 hear conversation and shoul,
not have listened if / had been. but
| confess that as five, ten, fifteen, an,
then twenty minutes passed without Z
sign Of activity on the part Of the FISH
| l wondered whether the talk was abou
| the unfortunate eX-COnsul Waller an,
| the attitude of the French government
| i'm that affair, or about the failure o
| the fish to establish more intimate rela
| lions with the presidential hook ant
| line.
| 1t is just as well to say right here tina
| a squeetague is u species of weak fist
| that. while not so "gamey" as a blacl
| bass or brook trout, possesses as mucl
ingenuity in stealing bait as does a con
gresham in securing favors for his con
| stituents. II also possesses the temeri
| " and tenacity Of life of an office seek
er long ignored. The rod that l useC
was of the sort ordinarily used for bas!
fishing and like those used by the pres
ident and Or. Bryant, except that IL wa
Unfta
should think it weighed about p ounces
l mad, of course. shuddered the usua
feminine shudder and said, Poor thing,
when Mr.. Goddard baited my hook. cast
and then presented me with the but OF
the rod TO hold
| was so intent on seeing President
Cleveland catch a fish that when at last
he did jump up and reel in hurriedly
dropped my own pole. and it would have
gone overheard had il not been for tho
quick move of my skipper who caught
1t i'm the nick of time.
The President surely had a good one.
as was indicated by his taut line. His
face fairly beamed with satisfaction.
Those who have seen the President only
in Washington. austere, cold and reserv-
ed. should have looked upon his face
then. A school boy with a now TOP
could not give more facial evidence OF
supreme satisfaction. 1t is evidently
a matter of course on the Ruth that
every one shall pay attention while the
President lands a fish. This ruler OF
sixty million people shows more eXulta-
ton than when he is greeted by the
plaudits of mighty crowds in big cities.
Probably he showed less pleasure when
notified of his election and Of Mr.. Harri-
sons defeat, for Mr.. Cleveland has never
been a demonstrative man. This f-st
catch was a squeetague that Abe God
dard thought would weigh four pounds
Bud Wright, who appeared from the
little cabin directly after the President
hooked The FISH, tendcrly assisted il
aboard with a eaif. Its elttering sides
were not brighter in the sunlight than
were the eyes Of the triumphant Pres