"I guess I can file you out one from a bit of steel wire," answered
the young millionaire.
This was done, after some little labor, and with several of the
improvised barbs, and bait from some of the canned goods, a fishing
party was organized. There was plenty of string, and for leaders,
so that the fish would not bite off the hooks, Innis used some spare
banjo strings. He had brought his instrument along with him.
The swim was much enjoyed, for the day was warm. The young aviators
sported around in the cool waters of the lake, and several little
spurting races were "pulled off," to use a sporting term.
I cannot say that the fishing was very successful. A few were
caught, but I imagine the bait used was not just proper. It is
difficult to get canned chicken to stick on a hook, unless you use
a piece of gristle. But some good specimens were caught, and were
served for dinner, being fried on the electric stove.
All this while the airship floated tranquilly on the surface of the
lake. Several vessels came near, attracted by the strange sight of
Dick's craft, but, by means of a megaphone they were kindly asked
not to approach too near, as the least contact with one of the
heavier craft would damage the Abaris. Through the captain of one
craft Dick sent a message to his father, and Larry a story to his
paper.
"Well, I think that boat must be dry enough to mend now," said Dick,
some time after dinner. "We don't want to spend another night here
if we can help it.
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