“Let’s stop, anyway,” cried Chap. “We might fish an hour without hurting anybody. What difference will it make if we get to Boontown an hour earlier or later? And it may be that we’ll never get another chance to fish for channel-bass; that is, if this river is the only place where they can be caught.” Phil was entirely of Chap’s opinion, and Adam had no objections to fish for a time, if the boys cared for the sport. But Phœnix was not altogether satisfied with the proposed stoppage. “If we’re trying to get home as fast as we can,” he said, “I think we oughtn’t to stop if we can help it, especially as we’ve lost so much time anyway.” “But this won’t be much time lost,” said Phil, “and as I am quartermaster of this party, I think it is my duty to provide you with some fresh food, and we’ve nothing on hand but salt ham and some of those potted things we got at Cooper’s store.” “That sounds as if you intended to catch all the fish,” said Chap. “Of course, if you all want to stop,” said Phœnix, “I’ve nothing more to say.” “Now,” said Chap, standing up and raising his right arm as he spoke, “I want to make a remark. It seems to be forgotten that I’m captain of this expedition. But I have not forgotten it, and I order a halt for an hour’s fishing.” “After we’ve all agreed to it,” said Phil. “And as to you, Mr. Treasurer,” continued Chap, addressing Phœnix, and paying no attention to Phil’s remark, “I wish to say that if you don’t stop criticising and opposing your noble commander, I shall depose you from your position.” “All right,” said Phœnix, with a grin. “If any other fellow has got capital enough to run the office, I’m willing.” “On second thought,” said Chap, “I think we won’t request you to resign. As the treasurer of this expedition has to furnish the money, you are the most worthy person for the post. Consider your place secure as long as your cash holds out. Now, Mr. Steersman, shall we anchor?” “Just jump forward there, cap’n,” said Adam, “and when I give the word, let down the main-sail.” It took somewhat longer to make the preparations for fishing than the boys had supposed it would, for Adam had to run the boat ashore on a little island, and wade into the shallow water with a hand-net to catch some small fish for bait. But at last the boat was put out into deep water, the sails were lowered, and the anchor down, while the three boys, posting themselves in convenient places in the after-part of the boat, threw out their lines as far as they could. There was quite a strong current at this point, and this helped to carry the lines out to their full length. Adam did not fish. In the first place he was willing to hold himself ready to direct and assist the boys, and in the second place he had no fishing lines. “What is a channel-bass?” asked Phil. “I don’t think I ever heard of them.” “Well,” said Adam, “it’s a kind of bass that swims in the channel of this river, and that’s pretty much all there is about it.”