until the
interiors of Abel's and Skipper Ed's cabins became veritable picture
galleries and libraries of reference.

But the eve of parting for their separate fishing places was always
tinged with sadness and regret, for during these weeks they were denied
one another's companionship.

"If our fishing places were only close to each other, so we could fish
together, wouldn't it be fine!" suggested Bobby, one spring day as he
and Jimmy sat on a rock below Abel's cabin, looking expectantly out over
the bay, while Abel, with Skipper Ed's assistance, put the finishing
touches upon the big boat in preparation for departure to their fishing
places the next morning.

"Yes, wouldn't it!" exclaimed Jimmy. "If we weren't so busy, Partner and
I would be dreadfully lonesome without you."

"And if it wasn't for being busy I'd be dreadfully lonesome without you,
too," admitted Bobby. "I always am, anyhow."

"Yes," said Jimmy, "so are we on days when the sea's so rough we can't
fish."

"But it's fine out there, and it's always fine to get back, isn't it,
Jimmy?"

"Aye, 'tis that!" declared Jimmy.

"But it makes me feel lonesome already," said Bobby, returning to the
original proposition, "to think that I won't see you and Skipper Ed for
so long."

"What's this I hear? Lonesome for Partner and me?" asked Skipper Ed,
who had finished with the boat and, coming up behind the boys, overheard
Bobby's remark.

"Yes," said Bobby, "at the fishing."

"Well, well, now, isn't that strange!" ejaculated Skipper Ed. "I was
thinking the same way, and Abel was thinking that way, too, and we've
been talking it over!"

"Jimmy and I think 'twould be fine if we could all fish together,"
continued Bobby.

"So were we! So were we! A strange coincidence!" declared Skipper Ed.
"And Abel thinks it might be arranged."

"Oh, can it? Can it?" and the boys jumped to their feet.

"I don't know," and Skipper Ed's face assumed a long and gloomy
expression as he seated himself upon the rock. "There's one thing in the
way and I couldn't consent."

"Why can't we?" asked Jimmy, in deep disappointment.

"Because," said Skipper Ed seriously, "I'm not free to consent."

"Why not? Yes, you are!" coaxed Bobby. "Please do."

"I'd like to," said Skipper Ed. "Yes, I'd _like_ to; but you see I've
got a partner, and one partner can't go ahead and do things unless the
other partner agrees. At any rate he shouldn't. Do you agree, Partner?"

The boys gave