Evening star., 1933-07-02

They looked back The cumbersome fishing
boat was turning slowly. It was no match for
the speed Of the mighty marlin.
For . few minutes they cut straight ahe1d
through the water, then suddenly the rope
went slack again.
"Look!" screamed Eddie, pointing. Far to
the left there was dark blur In the water.
then came q swirl and the fish shot into the
air. shaking blue-silver. The harpoon stuck
firmly in its side; from its mouth dangled the
horse-hair bait.
It fell back with crash and q splash. then
other way. Both boys ducked and grabbed
the seat. Again the rope snapped tight and
the boat careened, then they were shooting
ahead in another direction.
Behind them the fishing boat was turning
clunasily. They could barely see Mr.. Evans
at the prov.
'I don't believe they can ever catch up!"
Eddie yelled above the rush and roar Of the
water. Steve looked back again and shook his
head hopelessly.
For what seemed long time the fsh pulled
them steadily ahead Eddie cupped his hands
and began bailing water from the bottom of
the boat.
Better get some Of this water out" he said.
"If there's too much in 1t he's liable to turn
us over" Steve got down on his hands and
pretty soon most Of it was out. They crouched
on the bottom, tense Then once more the
rope suddenly went limp
Hang on!" yelled Eddie, ducking.
For what seemed hours they lay clineing
to the seat, but nothing happened. Eddie
raised his head cautiously and looked over
the prov. Then he sprang to his feet.
"Steve!" His voice was . scream. "He's
going down! He's sounding!" The rope was
slipping silently but quickly down through the
water. "whatll We do?"
Steve jumped up. TN cut it," he yelled
He pulled his knife from his pocket and went
rope. After q minute 1t was cut. Then sud-
denly Eddie Topped on the bottom and grabbed
the rod. He stuck 1t back under the seat
"Gluickl" he cried. Hook the reel under
the seat!" Steve jumped over the seat. dropped
down and hooked the reel firmly.
Eddie grabbed the other end Of the rod and
braced it firmly against his shoulder.
'Sit on that end, Steve" he yelled. Don't
try to hold the reel-let it go!"
For minute they braced themselves tensely
then suddenly there was a strong jerk and
the reel screamed The line swished down
through the water almost beside the boat.
For q minute the line streaked out. then
Steve shifted his position and pressed his knee
against the whirling reel.
Look out!" Eddie cried. BE CAREFUL"
The reel slowed slightly and the line tight
ened. Suddenly Steve cried out and jerked his
knee away. The pants were worn through.
and blood streamed where the whizzing line
'.Hurt?" Eddie asked. Steve bit his lip and
shook his head.
Suddenly the line went limp and the reel
whirred under its own momentum.
''Stop 1t, Steve-reel in!" yelled Eddie.
Steve grabbed the reel and 1t stopped quick
V Then he began to reel furiously. The
limp line came over the side Of the boat
quickly.
whats he doin' now?" steve's voice was
frightened.
Before Eddie could answer there was thun-
derous splash and before their bulging eyes
the giant fish broke water about q hundred
yards from the b6at. It seemed to balance
for an instant on its tail, its swordlike nose
shaking savagely. Then it crashed back.
"Gee!" breather Steve. "It looks like"
Eddie's scream interrupted him. Look!
He's coming toward the boat!"
Their eyes widened with horror as the big,
dark body sped toward them. its dorsal I'm cut
ting the water like knife
Suddenly Steve screamed.
Hang onl He's going to hit us!"
roi 4iauGToi be continued next week)
,ItiiJJists h. fIra .fea $50 - ..tsi5ss ST