I did not fear for the line, for that, I knew, was strong.

I would have played the fish until he was tired, and I could pull him out without risk to the pole, but I did not know exactly how the process of "playing" was conducted.

I was very much excited.

Sometimes I gave a jerk and a pull, and then the fish would give a jerk and a pull.
Directly I heard some one running toward me, and then I heard Euphemia cry out: "Give him the butt! Give him the butt!" "Give him what ?" I exclaimed, without having time even to look up at her.
"The butt! the butt!" she cried, almost breathlessly.

"I know that's right! I read how Edward Everett Hale did it in the Adirondacks." "No, it wasn't Hale at all," said I, as I jumped about the bank; "it was Mr.Murray." "Well, it was one of those fishing ministers, and I know that it caught the fish." "I know, I know.