s he began
dragging in, although it seemed to take considerable effort.

"He's a dandy, all right! Frank, get Cousin Archie's gaff hook, and stand
ready to yank him aboard when I get him alongside!" he called.

This was finally accomplished, and with considerable splashing a
magnificent bronze-backed channel bass, weighing at least twenty pounds,
was captured.

The boys were delighted. Here was a new treat, indeed. In comparison with
the trout and black bass that had, up to now, constituted their only game
fish, this was tremendous. Still, later on, Frank was satisfied that a
one-pound black bass, held with a light fly-rod, could give more sport to
the square inch than any fish in Florida waters.

There was nothing more doing up to the time they went to bed. In the
morning they found the hook gone from the other line. Frank said they
must have caught a shark, or else another large bass, which, in twisting
about, had broken the tackle. Still, they were not sorry, for they would
not have known what to do with more.

"That's what I call fresh fish," said Bluff, as he sighed because he
could not eat another bite of the tempting dish.

"It does go pretty good," admitted Jerry, with a wink toward Frank.

Sometimes Frank was of the opinion that the name of "Bluff" had been
bestowed on the wrong fellow, for Jerry was inclined to play the part
much more than the one who bore the odium that went with the name.

"Now to get under way and move out on the gulf!" exclaimed Will, in some
excitement, as the breakfast things were put away and the deck cleared
for action.

Frank had taken a careful observation, and announced that there did not
seem to be any reason why they should linger there longer. His chart
showed him a refuge some fifteen miles along the coast, to the east,
where they could run in should it be deemed necessary. If the weather
kept good they could speed another fifteen miles, and make a second
lagoon sheltered behind outlying islands.

These things are easy enough to plan. It sometimes happens, however, that
in attempting to carry them out a hitch occurs which no one has dreamed
possible. Now, it might come in the shape of sudden winds that kick up a
tremendous sea; again, there might be a breakdown of the motor, as may
happen with any boat, no matter how well built.

They made a flying start, and all the boys were thrilled when they found
themselves far out from land, and headed along the coast, toward t