of life and movement.

"There you are," said Poole, passing the line into the midshipman's
hands. "I will unwind some more, have fished like this before, haven't
you?"

"Only a little for whiting and codlings," was the reply. "I never got
hold of anything big. I suppose we may get a tidy one here?"

"Oh yes; and they are tremendously strong."

"Not so strong but what I can hold them, I dare say," said Fitz
confidently.

But his confidence was not shared by his companion, who unwound the line
till there was no more upon the frame, and then gave the end two or
three turns about one of the belaying-pins, leaving a good many rings of
loose line upon deck.

There was need for the foresight, as was soon proved. Fitz was sitting
leaning right back with his eyes half-closed, thoroughly enjoying the
change; the trouble of the morning was for the moment numbed, and no
care assailed him. He was listening as he enjoyed the sensation that
thrilled the nerves of his arm as the bait and lead sinker were drawn
through the water far astern with a peculiar jigging motion, and
questioning Poole about the kind of fish that they were likely to
encounter as far south as they then were.

"You have been across here, then, before?" he said.

"Oh yes; four times."

"Ever seen any sharks?"

"Lots; but not out here. I saw most close in shore among the islands."

"What islands?"

"Oh, any of them; Saint Lucia, Nevis, Trinidad. Pretty big too, some of
them."

"Ever catch one?"

"No, we never tried. Nasty brutes! I hate them."

"So does everybody, I suppose. But, I say, think we shall catch
anything to-day?"

"Oh yes; but you mustn't be disappointed if we don't. Fish swarm one
day, and you can see as many as you like; another time--you go all day
long and you don't see one."

"I say, this isn't going to be one of those days, is it? I haven't had
a bite yet. Think the bait's off?"

"Not it. That tough skin closes up round the hook, and you would almost
have to cut it to get it over the barb. It makes a capital bait to
stick on, but of course it isn't half so attractive as a bit of a bright
silvery fish. I'll change it as soon as I can. I wish we had got one
of those big silvered spoons. I think father's got two or three. I
will go and ask him if you don't soon get a--"

"Oh! Poole! Here! Help! I--I can't--Oh, he's gone!" panted the
middy.

For all at once his right arm received a violent jerk, and as