I see it is you, Mr Dale.
Fishing-lines? Yes, I get you some."

"Why, you thought I was Mr Walters," I said, laughing.

"I?--my faith, no, sir. I was asleep and dreaming. Yes," he continued,
scrambling out and going to a canvas bag, out of which he drew a large
square wooden winder.

"There; it is a very long line and nearly new. I have not used it once,
sir. Mister the captain objects to the men having these delassements,
these untirings, when you are weary."

"Oh, thank you, Jarette," I cried eagerly.

"And here are these hooks, if the one at the end breaks."

"Yes."

"And the good fortune to you. Good luck you say it."

I went back on deck with my prize, and called at the galley, thinking no
more of the Frenchman's mistake.

There the cook readily furnished me with a sharp knife and some tough
rind pieces of pork and bacon liberally furnished on one side with fat.

"Cut 'em in long baits, sir," he said, "and the fish are sure to come at
them."

"But they will taste too salt," I said.

He laughed.

"How can a fish know whether the bait is salt when it takes it in salt
water?"

I had not thought of that, and I returned aft, passing Mr Frewen and
Mr Preddle, both of whom looked disturbed, and then I reached the spot
where I had left Mr Denning and his sister. He was looking angry, and
Miss Denning had tears in her eyes as she quickly turned away.

"I've got a line and baits," I said, speaking as if I had not noticed
that anything was wrong, though I felt sure that the doctor and Mr
Preddle had been there in my absence.

"You can take them back," said Mr Denning, shortly, "I shall not fish
to-day."

Miss Denning turned round quickly.

"John dear!" she whispered, and she gave him a piteous look.

He frowned and turned to me, when seeing, I suppose, my disappointment,
he smoothed his face and then smiled.

"Oh, very well," he said, "I was going to my cabin, but we will have a
try."

I saw Miss Denning lay her hand upon his arm, but took no notice, for I
knelt down on the deck directly, cut a bait ready--a long strip of the
bacon rind--stuck the point of the large sharp hook through one end as
if I were going to fish for mackerel at home, and then after unwinding
some of the line, to which a heavy leaden sinker was attached, I was
about to throw the bait over the stern.

"But that piece of lead will be too heavy," cried Mr Denning, now full
of interest in the fishing. "It will make the