CHAPTER VIII
DRIVEN BACK
Sammy's two chums did not answer for a minute. They looked at each other, and then Frank exclaimed:
"I've got a bite, and a big one, too. Pass that net down here!"
For a moment the prospect of catching another crab was greater even than the chance of finding out something about the strange man. Bob handed his companion the net, and Frank cautiously began pulling up on the cord to which was fastened the chunk of meat-bait. With his other hand he held the net ready to plunge into the water, and scoop up his prize.
"There he is!" cried Bob, whose bait was not then being taken. "Get him, Frank!"
"I will. Don't get excited and rock the boat. I'll have him in a minute!"
"There!" exclaimed Sammy, whose attention was also taken away from the man for the moment. "Net him!"
Frank plunged the net into the water, trying to get it under the crab, which was clinging to the meat with its claws. But the boy was not quite quick enough, or else he hit the crab with the iron ring of the net, for the creature suddenly let go, and with a quick motion of his broad, swimming flippers went scurrying off into the depths again.
"Oh, he got away!" cried Bob, in disappointed tones.
"You weren't quite quick enough," spoke Sammy.
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