Now came the tug of war! I knew my hooks were good and the line sound, therefore I was determined not to let him escape beyond the favorable ground; and I put upon him a strain that, after much struggling, brought to the surface a great shovel-head, followed by a pair of broad silvery sides, as I led him gradually into shallow water.

Bacheet now cleverly secured him by the gills, and dragged him in triumph to the shore.

This was a splendid bayard, of at least forty pounds' weight.
I laid my prize upon some green reeds, and covered it carefully with the same cool material.

I then replaced my bait by a lively fish, and once more tried the river.

In a very short time I had another run, and landed a small fish of about nine pounds, of the same species.