Evening star., 1933-06-11
"Oh," Steve said.


The man attached the fly to his line. whipped
the light rod expermentally two or three times.
then tipped the fy lightly toward clump
Of half-submerged bushes across the stream.
The feathered lure settled easily on the water
and noated slowly down past the bushes. Sud-
denly there was swish and swirl and the
fly disappeared. The light rod bent almost
double and quivered in the mans hands.
Got one!" he cried. his eyes bright.
There was splash and a flash and gleam-
ing brown body shot out Of the water, shaking
sayagely and glistening in the spray. The boys
watched wide-eyed and excited. Then the flsh
was gone streaking away downstream, ripping
and tearing and slashing.
THE man played it calmly, Letting It run
against the spring Of the flexible rod. For
q few minutes he let 1t work against the rod
then slowly he began reeling it in. Back and
forth across the stream 1t tore, diving toward
the deep holes and plunging toward submerged
bushes. But always the man kept just enough
tension on the rod to keep the fish from reach
ing its goal
For what seemed long time the fight kept
up. Finally 1t began to tire. Its mad rushes were
weaker. and its savage jerking wasn't so fero-
cious Pretty soon 1t was close to them, and they
could see its big body swirling and shaking In
the clear water. The man unslung the net from
his back and held the rod in one hand while
played the fish 50 it was over the net, and lifted
quickly.
Hes . grandfather boys" the man yelled
excitedly. The hsh cleaned curving against the
meshes Of the net, still wiggling and fighting.
The man sloshed out of the water and up on
the bank. The boys we're yelling and jumping
up and down. The man laid his rod down care
fully, then took the hook out. He bled the nsh
and held 1t up for them to see.
Eddie felt It. MY gosh" he breathed. II
didn't know they came that big in this streaml'
Steve stared In ave-
THE man put the fish in his creel "Well,
boys" he grinned, you two red-heads sure
gave me luck! I'd like to be able to carry you
around with me all the time!" He paused, and
his brow wrinkled When he spoke he seemed to
be speaking more to himself than to the boys.
"Say-that's an idea! wonder. >"
The boys stared breathless. 1t was Steve who
finally spoke.
"You wonder-you wonder-what?"
The man looked up at him. by Georgel"
he exclaimed, swapping his fingers, "I'1l do it!"
He paused . minute, thinking, then spoke
again eagerly. How'd you boys like to 90
on a deep-sea fishing trip of the coast Of
F1orida?"
They gasped together Steve looked 1t
Eddie and Eddie looked at Steve. Then. thsy
both looked back at the man.
dCc!' sDEedtucu 0tcte.
"Gosh" breathed Eddie. @
The man laughed. I'm not crazy. boys.
I really mean It, I've been planning this trip
for some time. I want to get some Of the
big fellows they have down there. And with
you two red-heads along, can't miss 'esnl"
Eddie's eyes were shining. Gee, it'd b
great! Only"-he hesitated-"only I doa't
know If Mother and Dad would"
Don't worry about that" the man inter-
rupted. "Tu 60 to see them and explain 1t I'll.
I'm sure itu be all right"
They talked eagerly. gasping about it. Then
the man asked them their names. They told
him.
Where do you nye?"
"On farm over the HILL" said Eddie, point
ing. He explained its location.
We'll, boys, I've got to get back to town
now" the man said. But I'll be at the farm
bright and early tomorrow to talk to your dad
and mother about It," He picked up his rod
and unjointed 1t and put it in q case 'TU
see you tomorrow" he said as he turned to 60
80 longi"
(To be continued next Sunday