always without accident to be sure, and if you will follow close in our wake to-morrow, we'll take you safely to the bottom."
"We must make an early start," said Hastings, "for we want to reach the pond just about the time the first rays of the sun strike the water. Can you be ready at four o'clock? All right. Catch a good supply of minnows to-night, and then you won't have to waste valuable time over it in the morning."
"And take the strongest and stiffest bait-rod you have," added Joe. "Leave your fly-rods, if you have any, at home, for you will have no use for them. About June 1st, when the bass season opens, those who know how to throw a fly have very fine fishing among the rocks close to the shore; but as the weather grows warmer the fish gradually draw off into deep water, and all the bass we shall catch to-morrow will be near the middle of the pond where the springs boil up."
"And don't forget your gun," said Sheldon.
"Nor your rubber blankets," chimed in Hastings.
"Do you think it will rain?" asked Ralph.
