The bait sank slowly toward the bottom, when, suddenly, there was a tremendous jerk, and the line whizzed through the water with a force that bent the tough, elastic pole like a "reed shaken with the wind." Frank was a skillful fisherman, and, after a few moments' maneuvering, a trout weighing between three and four pounds lay floundering on the bank.
Archie soon came up, having been a little more successful, as two good-sized fish were struggling in his basket.
They walked slowly down the brook, stopping now and then to try some favorite spot, and, about three o'clock in the afternoon, they reached the place where the brook emptied into Glen's Creek, and were about two miles from home.

They had been remarkably successful; their baskets were filled, and they had several "sockdologers" strung on a branch, which they carried in their hands.
After dropping their hooks for a few moments among the perch, at the mouth of the brook, they unjointed their poles, and started toward home, well satisfied with their day's work.
The next day, as Frank and Archie were on their way to the village, on foot--the wind being contrary, they could not sail--they met George and Harry, who had started to pay them a visit.
"Hallo, boys!" exclaimed the former, as soon as they came within speaking distance, "we've got news for you." "And some that you will not like to hear, Frank," said Harry, with a laugh.
"What is it ?" inquired Archie.
"Why, you know, Charley Morgan, some time since, sent to New York for a couple of sail-boats, a sloop and schooner.

They arrived yesterday, and he thinks they are something great, and says the Speedwell is nowhere." "Yes," chimed in Harry, "he said, when those boats came, he would show us 'country chaps' some sailing that would make us open our eyes; but, come to find out, they are perfect tubs.

I saw the sloop coming up the creek, and she made poor headway.

The Alert can beat her all hollow, with only the foresail hoisted." During the conversation the boys had been walking toward the village, and, in a few moments, they reached the dock behind the post-office, where the two new boats lay.