hur to see. "That's one
as'll tempt um, and you see we'll have another big one before they know
where they are. I say, you won't be scared of the next, will you, now?"

"I'll--I'll try not to be," whispered Arthur, drawing a long breath.

"Then you won't be," whispered Josh. "That's the way: in with the lead.
Of course they're awk'ard things for any boy to tackle at first. I was
downright frightened first one I hooked, when I was 'bout as old as you,
and it warn't above half the size of the one you ketched."

"Were you really frightened of it?" said Arthur in the same low tone.

"Frightened, Master Taffarthur! Why, my cap come off and fell in the
water, and I had to up with the killick and row after it."

"But that didn't show you were frightened."

"Didn't it though, sir? Why, it was my hair rose up in such a gashly
way it lifted it off. There, now, hold steady, and it won't be long
before you have a bite."

It was getting so dark now that Arthur could not see whether Josh was
laughing at him or not, though for the matter of that, if it had been
noontide, he would not have been able to make out the rough fisherman's
thoughts by the expression of his countenance.

A splash from behind them told them that Dick's bait had just gone in,
and then they sat--both couples--chatting away in a low tone, and
waiting for the next congers, and somehow waiting in vain. The last
glow faded out of the sky, and the stars twinkled in the sea, where they
were reflected from above. The great black bird rock stood up, looking
gigantic against the western sky, and every now and then there was a
querulous cry that set a party of the sea-birds scolding and squealing
for a few minutes before all was still again.

In the distance across the bay the lights of the harbour shone out
faintly at first, then clearly, and the various lamps about the village
seemed like dull stars.

Still there was no bite, and Arthur rejoiced in his heart, hoping that
they would catch no more, and thinking how horrible it would have been
to have one of the monsters on board in the dark.

Josh had changed the position of Arthur's line several times, and at
last he took hold of it and began to haul it in.

"Going to leave off?" said Arthur joyously.

"No, my lad, not yet. You won't mind me throwing in for you?"

"Oh no!" cried the boy.

"Then," said Josh, "I'm just going to throw over yonder into the deepest
part, and if we don't get one out o