United States or Palestine ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"Seems to have gone this time," said the American quietly. "Yes, and taken another spoon-bait and hook belonging to the captain," said the second mate ruefully, as he looked at the broken end of the line he held in his hand. "Yes, and he nearly took the gaff-hook as well," said Briscoe. "I say, Mr Briscoe, why didn't you hold him? You had him fast."
"It's all very fine to talk," growled the mate, "but he'll have the skin off my hands if I stick to him, for it seems as if instead of me catching him he's caught me, and I expect he'll have me in the water soon." Briscoe, who was as excited as anyone, burst into a hearty laugh at this, and, laying down his gun, took up the short-handled gaff-hook which lay beneath the thwarts.
But when Fred hooked the salmon the excitement of the Norseman knew no bounds. After nearly half an hour's playing of the fish, Fred drew it close to the bank, and told Hans to strike the gaff-hook into it, and lift it out of the water. Hans in his excitement missed his aim, and the terrified fish darted away. But Fred was prepared for this, and let out line.
One escaped unhurt, but another, although it almost reached the bank, was shot dead with a bullet from Showan's rifle. Once more the manoeuvers of the gaff-hook were repeated, and once more a great black bear was hauled on board.
At last, after a fight of half an hour, it was brought close to the bank, and Hans put the gaff-hook cleverly into its side, and hauled it ashore, amid the shouts of the astonished people, for the salmon weighed eighteen pounds. After a time the natives began to understand the principles of fly-fishing with a rod, and regarded Fred Temple with deep respect.
Arthur's arm received a sudden violent jerk from the whole force of a lively twenty-five pound maskelongé; a struggle began, to be ended successfully for the human party by the aid of the gaff-hook. This was the noblest prey of the pond.
In fact, they saw during the afternoon no less than six full-grown bears, none of which got away unsaluted, but only two of which really were "bagged," as Alex called it, by the men with the gaff-hook.
I say, the water must be tremendously deep here. He must have dived right down to the bottom. It's a 'gator: there's no doubt about that." "We shall soon see," replied Briscoe, who stood ready with the gaff-hook. "I shall have to trust to this." "Yes. Drive it right into his throat, and haul him in over the side at once." "Right. I say: he's coming now. See him?" said Briscoe eagerly.
Word Of The Day