The boys had brought along a fishing outfit, one of the simple sort
used in those waters, and as they baited their hooks, Jack said:

"Well, maybe I haven't the rod to catch a tarpon, but I can rig up a
line and hook that will do the business, maybe."

Accordingly he picked out what Joe said was a regular shark hook,
and, baiting it with a piece of canned meat, tossed it over the side,
fastening the line to the rail.

Then Jack forgot about it, for Walter had a bite almost as soon as he
cast in, and the two boys were soon pulling in red snappers
abundantly enough to insure several meals.

"Why don't you try your hand line," suggested Cora, as she went to
where it was tied to the rail. "May be you'll get-a bite, Jack."

As she spoke, she felt on the heavy string, and, an instant later,
uttered a cry, for it was jerked from her hand with such force as to
skin her knuckles, and at the same time she cried:

"Jack! Jack! You've hooked a big shark! Oh, what a monster!"




CHAPTER XIX

CRUISING DAYS