to get him home.

We cast into a dark pool farther down
and fished most patiently; not a bite--not
a nibble.

``Are there any fish in here, Buck?''

``Dunno--used ter be.'' The shadows
deepened; we must go back to the house.

``Is there a dam below here, Buck?''

``Yes, thar's a dam about a half-mile
down the river.''

I was disgusted. No wonder there were
no bass in that pool.

``Why didn't you tell me that before?''

``You never axed me,'' said Buck placidly.

I began winding in my line.

``Ain't no bottom to that pool,'' said
Buck.

Now I never saw any rural community
where there was not a bottomless pool, and