I should have done better to pretend indifference.
"As it is," she answered, lightly, "I respect you as I would any sincere fighter for a losing cause.

And I shall probably feel some sympathy for you after the cause is lost.

Excuse my breaking in on your sermon, provided it is not finished, but--I think you have a bite, Mr.Paine." I had, very much of a bite.

The minnow on my hook had been forgotten and allowed to sink to the bottom, and a big pout had swallowed it, along with the hook and a section of line.

I dragged the creature out of the water and performed a surgical operation, resulting in the recovery of my tackle.
"There!" I exclaimed, in disgust.