thing
more than to tell the news. I want you to go fishing with me. They say
the sport is extra fine just now."

"I don't know if I can go," answered our hero, doubtfully. "There is
still enough to do here."

"It will be a change for you. You have worked very hard lately."

"I admit that."

"Go by all means, if you care to, Randy," called out Mrs. Thompson.
"You have earned a holiday, and the fish will be acceptable."

"All right, mother; if you say so, I'll go."

It did not take Randy long to prepare for the outing. Jack had with him
a basket of lunch for two, so all he had to get was his line and hooks
and some extra bait.

"I hope we catch a good mess to-day," said Randy, as they started off.
"Then I can give Mr. Borden some and he can let us have some bacon that
we need."

"I suppose it is rather hard scratching for you just now," said Jack.

"It is, and I am going to look for outside work before long."

"Well, I hope you find something to do. Ben Bash was looking for work
all over this district but he couldn't find a thing."

"Oh, I know there is small chance in Riverport. I think I may try
elsewhere," answered our hero.

It did not take the two boys long to reach the river, at a point where
Jack had left his boat. Both rowed to their favorite fishing spot.

"Oh, isn't that too bad!" cried Jack, in disappointment.

Strangers were fishing at the spot and they soon saw that there was no
room for them to throw in.

"How is fishing?" called out Randy.

"Very good," answered one of those present.

"We'll have to go elsewhere," said Jack. "The question is, where?"

"I know another spot about quarter of a mile from here," answered
Randy. "It may be just as good."

They rowed on and reached the new place, to find nobody there. Soon
they had their boat tied fast to an overhanging tree and then they got
out on some flat rocks and baited up.

It did not take long to prove that the new fishing place was as good as
the old. Randy drew in a small fish almost immediately and Jack did the
same. Then both got hauls of good size.

"Maybe we'll do better than if we went to the old Fishing Hole,"
observed Jack.

At noon time they knocked off for lunch and a rest and then took a good
swim.

"I can tell you, I enjoy this!" cried Randy. "I haven't had a chance to
go in for so long."

The swim at an end, the boys donned their garments and resumed their
fishing. They kept at it until about four o'clock. Then