I suddenly determined to shake one tradition
in at least one community. So I took
an extra fish-line, tied a stone to it, and
climbed into a canoe, Buck watching me,
but not asking a word.

``Get in, Buck.''

Silently he got in and I pushed off--to
the centre.

``This the deepest part, Buck?''

``I reckon so.''

I dropped in the stone and the line
reeled out some fifty feet and began to coil
on the surface of the water.

``I guess that's on the bottom, isn't it,
Buck?''

Buck looked genuinely distressed; but
presently he brightened.

``Yes,'' he said, `` ef hit ain't on a turtle's back.''

Literally I threw up both hands and
back we trailed--fishless.