Page 93 - A Little Bush Maid

"Oh, you shut up," Jim answered, re-baiting his hook. "T didn’t catch an old
boot, anyhow!"--which pertinent reflection had the effect of silencing

Wally, amidst mild mirth on the part of the other members of the
expedition.

Scarcely a minute more, and Norah pulled sharply at her line and began to
haul in rapidly.

"Got a whale?" inquired Jim.

"Something like it!" Norah pulled wildly.

"Hang on!"

"Stick to him!"

"Mind your eye!"

"Don’t get your line tangled!"

"Want any help, Miss Norah?"

"No thanks." Norah was almost breathless. A red spot flamed in each
cheek.

Slowly the line came in. Presently it gave a sudden jerk, and was tugged
back quickly, as the fish made another run for liberty. Norah uttered an

exclamation, quickly suppressed, and caught it sharply, pulling strongly.

Ah--he was out! A big, handsome perch, struggling and dancing in the air
at the end of the line. Shouts broke from the boys as Norah landed her prize
safely on the bank.

"Well done, Miss Norah," said the Hermit warmly.

"That’s a beauty--as fine a perch as T’ve seen in this creek."