“He’s almost got my shoulder out of place!” replied Joe, blowing a large quantity of water out of his mouth. “I see his fin above the water,” said Glenn; “struggle manfully, Joe, and you will capture him yet!” “I’ll die but I’ll have him now—after such a ducking as this!” said Joe, approaching the shore with the almost inanimate fish, that was no longer able to contend against his superior strength. When he drew near enough to touch the bottom, he turned his head and beheld his prize floating close behind, and obedient to his will. It required the strength of both Glenn and Joe to drag the immense catfish (for such it proved to be) from its native element. It was about the length and weight of Joe, and had a mouth of sufficient dimensions to have swallowed a man’s head. It was given to the ferrymen, who had witnessed the immersion, and were attracted thither to render assistance. “I suppose you have now had enough of the fish?” remarked Glenn, as they retraced their steps homeward. “I’ll acknowledge that I’m satisfied for the present; but I was resolved to have satisfaction!” replied Joe. “Yes, but you have had it with a vengeance; and I doubt not that your apparent contentment is but cold comfort,” continued Glenn. “I’m not a bit cold—I shan’t change my clothes, and I’m ready for any other sport you like,” said Joe. “If you really suffer no inconvenience from the wet—and this fine warm day inclines me to believe you—we will take our guns and walk out to the small lakes on the borders of the prairie.” “Splash it”—began Joe. “No—_duck_ it,” interrupted Glenn. “Well, I should like to know exactly what you mean—whether you are in earnest about going to the ponds, or whether you are joking me for getting _ducked_—as there’s nothing in them now to shoot but _ducks_, and it may have popped into your head just because I had the _ducking_,” said Joe. “I am in earnest,” said Glenn; “I do not wish to annoy William, or to meet Roughgrove and Mary until their domestic arrangements are all completed.” “That’s strange,” said Joe. “What’s strange?” asked Glenn, quickly. “Why, your not wanting to meet Miss Mary. I say it is most mysteriously strange,” replied Joe. “Say nothing more about it, and think less,” said Glenn, striding in advance, while a smile played upon his lip. “But I can’t help dreaming about it—and my dreams all come true,” said Joe. “What have you been dreaming—but never mind—bring out the guns,” said Glenn, pausing at the gate of the inclosure, and not venturing to hear Joe recite the dream about himself and Mary.