Jimmy dropped his minnow beside the Kingfisher stump, and let it
sink. Dannie hit the water at the base of the stump, where it had
not been disturbed for a long time, a sharp "Spat," with his worms.
Something seized his bait, and was gone. Dannie planted his feet
firmly, squared his jaws, gripped his rod, and loosened his line. As
his eye followed it, he saw to his amazement that Jimmy's line was
sailing off down the river beside his, and heard the reel singing.
Dannie was soon close to the end of his line. He threw his weight
into a jerk enough to have torn the head from a fish, and down the
river the Black Bass leaped clear of the water, doubled, and with
a mighty shake tried to throw the hook from his mouth.
"Got him fast, by God!" screamed Jimmy in triumph.
Straight toward them rushed the fish. Jimmy reeled wildly; Dannie
gathered in his line by yard lengths, and grasped it with the hand
that held the rod. Near them the Bass leaped again, and sped back
down the river. Jimmy's reel sang, and Dannie's line jerked through
his fingers. Back came the fish. Again Dannie gathered in line, and
Jimmy reeled frantically. Then Dannie, relying on the strength of
his line thought he could land the fish, and steadily drew it
toward him. Jimmy's reel began to sing louder, and his line
followed Dannie's. Instantly Jimmy went wild.
"Stop pullin' me little silk thrid!" he yelled. "I've got the Black
Bass hooked fast as a rock, and your domn clothes line is sawin'
across me.
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