Page:Under MacArthur in Luzon.djvu/111

Rh of his experience with the strange fish made him shudder.

"I don't know what it was," he said. "But it was as powerful a fish as I ever struck, and I've struck a good many—off the coast o' Maine and on the Penobscot. He meant business, and if that line hadn't a-broke, I reckon he would have carried me fer miles and miles." Then he caught Walter's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. "I shan't forget what you've done fer me, old chap—it was so like you, too!" And a look passed between them that meant a good deal.

On the next morning it was plain to be seen that a storm was brewing, and as the transport was now close to Point Engano, on the northern coast of Luzon, and there were many small islands and dangerous reefs in the vicinity, a strict watch was kept and the Central was put under a reduced headway. Soon the wind was blowing little short of a gale, and from a distance came flashes of lightning and long-rolling claps of thunder.

"We are next to a storm now," remarked Walter, as he came to Si. "You ought to be on deck to see the waves. They are running mountain high."

"I'll be around by to-morrow, Walter. Are we in sight of land yet?"