The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-11-04
The Silver King.
By FISHER AMES, JR
Dy FISl1EN FkVIE>Ss
$1,000 q

hundred and seventy-fve FOUNDER, in
good condition." declared the host OF
the Anglers Anchorage.
"Poof! I'd give five hundred!" "
laughed the New Yorker, who owned
several electric roads and was di-
rector in one or two banks.
"On your own hook and line, sir"
amended the host, suavely.
"Of course. On my own hook"
The Bostonian dropped bead Of
oil on the axle of dismembered reel,
and delicately smeared it over the
steel with his finger-tip,
81 had good one on yesterday,
but"
The New Yorker and the man who
favored an eight-ounce rod exchanged
the glance of cynical brotherhood.
"We know that one," they said,
wearily. "The one that might have
been!"
"But my reel was gummy and the
line parted" continued the Bostonian,
with characteristic deafness. 81 think
he weighed at least one hundred and
thirty. One of the Salem Kents
caught hundred and ninety FOUNDER
last season. But that happened at
Tampico."
"There's no doubt that Mexican fish
run heavier" said the man who al
ways felt desire to apologize for the
Bostonian. But these are big and
gamy enough for me-when 1 get
one. Three days without bite!"
"It's a little early reassured the
host. "The main body hasn't struck
in yet. When they do there'll be
fishing"
The Bostonian, tenderly assembling
the oiled bits of steel, smiled coldly.
"Yet you offered fifty dollars for a
hundred and seventy-fve FOUNDER a
minute ago."
"Sure. And I expect to pay the
money" said the host. "If l had
time, I'd go out and win the reward
myself. l want nice fish for the
hall mantelpiece, that's ALL"
AS he hustled indoors, the New
Yorker and the man with the eight
ounce rod exchanged another glance
of understanding.
"His fifty is safe," said the New
Yorker.
"Wish l could feel as sure about
my little pile" said the other. "This
place is too far up. Only the light
scouts will ever get here. Wish l
hadn't exchanged old camps for new"
On the lowest step of the veranda,
Bert Christianson and Sidney James
listened reverently. The new An
glers' Anchorage had dropped like an
Aladdin's palace into their surround
lngs, and every day they came to bask
In its atmosphere of elegant leisure.
Here were grown men from the
North, stout and florid with good liv-
ing, who talked of fishing as if it were
the business of the land. 1t was up
setting yet fascinating, this new light
on the unfamiliar waters of the blue
lagoon.
They were fishermen themselves,
although in the surreptitious fashion
OF boyhood. SEEMING, which is hard
work, had the family appreciation,
but bait-fshing was frowned upon.
These men Of the North would as
soon dynamite the lagoon as sweep
1t with a net, and here was Host
Simpson offering half hundred dol
lars for mere herring! Bert and
Sidney exchanged looks that recorded
common VOW.
But where are we going to get the
tackle!' mourned Bert. "Ive moth
Ing that will hold one as big as that"
Neither had Sidney. AS he was
considering the problem, the host re-
appeared and called to him, Here
you, Sid! Take Mr.. Worthington out,
Will you? It's no use waiting for that
lazy darky," he added, to the Bos-
tonian. Like as not he won't come
round, and the boy knows where the
fish are all right"
The man from Boston studied the
boy through his glasses. The eyes
behind them were sharp but kindly.
Perhaps you'd like to try for that
hsh OF Simpsons" he suggested.
I've several extra rods, and you may
use one."
Poor Bert! He could not helm
feeling envious as he watched the
Joyous Sidney tuck the rod under his
arm and sally forth. One by one the
other gentlemen. accompanied by
their negro boatmen, went down to
the landing. No one noticed him sit
ting there ON the step. The clear blue
Of the Sky and the flashing water
Knocked at him.
Il s'pose they think I'm too
young" he said to himself "Sids
two years older. That's why"
1t was not much of a consolation.
1t was none, in fact. He sat there
trying hard to be manly. but seeing
the little scattered fiotilla of boats
through mist.
Again the host came to the door.
and his eye rested on the rather for
Torn figure. Hello. young mani he
said. How are you-pretty quick
mn.