The herald., 1896-07-05

cover sufficient breath to even give ut
terance to her feelings, hundred feet
of line had been sped out in the cirec-
tion Of the kelp Off Sugarloaf. to which
refuge the willy yellowtail invariably
makes bold dash.
were the first almost inarticulate words
that crossed the girls lips.
"Oh, yes, you can and will" returned
Smythies. keep your thumb hard on
the break, and the instant he let's up
reel in like the dev-. l beg your par
DON"
The fish was taking a breathing SPELL
and Nell began to recover some of her
line, when another rush more desperate
and furious than the first spun the reel
handle round, which barked her tender
knuckles till the blood began to spurt.
But the girl never noticed the blood or
the PAIN for the glory Of the sport was
thrilling every nerve, and it was in vain
now that Arnold volunteered and urged
his assistance.
mo no; I'm going to land him myself
now" breathlessly murmured Nell with
just the suspicion of a sob in her voice
The battle ragged fiercely for the next
half hour, and many a gallant bid for
freedom did the gamy fish make until
Nells courage and endurance almost
gave out; but she still resolutely refused
Arnolds entreaties that he might give
her little help.
At last the slack line gave evidence
that. the hsh's energies were spent, and
after few moments of vigorous reeling
his shining form became visible in the
beautifully clear water. Now his gold
glinted tail flashed above the surface.
and as Arnold handily gaffed the fine
fish, the tears began to fall on Nell S
cheeks past disguise. In truth the little
lady was completely exhausted, and pre-
Sented a somewhat disheveled, but to
Arnold more than ever charming, ap
pearance as they rowcd back to the
! shore.
"I feel the proudest girl on the island"
| faltered Nell, glancing lovingly at her
F! prize.
by jove, Nell-excuse me-you'rc
| certainly the pluckiest I ever met" re-
| turned Arnold with an equally loving
| glance at the prize winner.
| Nell was unable to enjoy her triumph
! that afternoon, for as soon as she reach
| ed the family camp. Mrs. Biglow, much
| perturbed by her piteous looks of ex
| haustion, though the light of victory
| still shone in her eyes, promptly packed
| her off to bed. There she remained for
| the rest of the day, finding consolation
| in sleep and candies, tempting box of
the latter having arrived during the af
ternoon with the following little note:
THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
NV Dear Miss Nell:
| The fame OF your eaten is all over TINS
| place. The newspaper correspondents
| want your photograph-not so badly as 7
| do. though. Everyone says it was won .
| derful feat. The fish weighs 221a pounds.
| / think your pluck in hanging on as you
| did was splendid. l do hope you will be
rested enough to come to the hop.
| Yours ever,
| ARNOLD B. SMYTHIES.
P. 81 hope Mrs. Biglow isn't vexed
| with me.
1t were perhaps idle to further pursue
an oft told tale, of the speedy course ot
| loves young dream finds very excep-
| tional opportunities at Avalon. For the
next three days Nell and Arnold swan
played tennis and danced together anG
before week from their first meeting
had elapsed they had arrived at a very
definite understanding. They wisely
agreed that it was too early to tell any
one, even Marian-as if that astute sou
needed any telling. Mr.. Biglow was ex-
pected from the city on the following
Saturday, and till that most distant date
they would possess their souls in pa
tience.
So fish are not the only game caught
at Catalina, and though flirtations are
but nibbles, the sport is often fraugh
with grave results; but it must be al
lowed that Arnold did not put up any
thing like as good a fight as did Nell;
yelloWtail. r. H. G.