"There, that bladder's fifty yards from where it was laid down." "Hundered," said Dave, plying his pole.

"'Fraid it's another peerch." Dave was wrong, for as they approached the bladder it went off with a swift dart, and there was a swirl in the water which indicated that a big fish must be on.
A good ten minutes' chase ensued before Dick was able to hook the line.
"I've got him," he cried: "a monster!" It certainly was a large pike of probably ten or twelve pounds, but in spite of its struggles it was drawn close in, with Dave smiling tightly the while, and ending with a broad grin, for as, in the midst of the intense excitement connected with their capture, Tom took the line and Dick leaned forward to gaff the pike, there was a struggle, a splash, the fish leaped right out of the water, and was gone.
"Hey, but why didn't thou whip the hook into him ?" cried Dave.
"I was trying to," said Dick ruefully; "but just as I touched his side he wagged his tail and went off!" "Niver mind, lad," cried Dave.

"Let's look at the line.

Ah, I thowt as much! Hook's broke." "Any chance of catching him if we threw in again ?" said Tom.
"Nay, he isn't worth trying for.

Mebbe he'd bite; mebbe he wouldn't.
He's gone the gainest [nearest] way to his hole.