Before that week ended Captain Mitchell and I had
one of our remarkableexperiences.
If its hard riding you want youll get
it.
Two more heavystrikes that took his baits were all
he reported. Slowly the dark islands rose out of the sea.
Morton hadno idea what to do with rod and reel, but
was not slow to follow myinstructions. Big game fish were chasing them upand
down.
Only a fish with large, powerful jaws could have
snapped him off withouttaking line. Have a cigar, he said, producing one with a
grand flourish.
Thenext action of significance on the part of Mr.
He had great symmetry, though carrying his weight well backto his tail. So we went
together, caught our bait, and trolled out to sea. He measured eleven feetfive
inches in length, and four feet two inches in girth. If its hard riding you want
youll get it. Then the gurgle increased to a distinct roar, loud asthat made by a
tumbling stream. I never seen ships atall till we got toFrisco.
Watsonhere tells me youre American cowboys looking
for jobs. I could see howboth men strained every nerve and muscle.
Youre chopping at the fast curves and pulling away
from theplate!
But it appeared to me hewas using dead bait, to his
disadvantage. Australians oughtto, for we have hundreds of wonderful kinds. But Red,
I begged you not to come, replied Hazelton. When I timed a heave on the rod with the
rise of the swell I managed togain half a foot perhaps. But for the long rapier-like
bill I would have mistaken himfor a black Marlin.
His legs shook, and his left armgrew
weak.
Jones took up the reinsand led the procession of
drays and wagons out into the road.
Iwas amused at their naive remarks, especially when
the fish escaped.
You are in for an adventure at any rate, went on
the skipper.
Buy rifles, and all the ammunition you can afford.
I released my drag,but Captain Mitchell did not release his, and as a consequence
broke hisline. Boys, laughed the drover, this great trek will take two years. Oh,
Peter, hes big or am I seeing things? Hopefully I waited for some sign of his
working back.
Pard, thets kind hard to believe, said Red, shaking
his head.
My own luck was remarkably mixed, good and bad,
mostly bad.