`` I am glad to meet you , Mr. Selby , '' he said heartily , `` although I am afraid I should feel very green in the presence of such a veteran fisherman as yourself . '' His frank courtesy compelled some return . Benjamin took the proffered hand with restraint . `` I 'm sorry there 's no mackerel going this afternoon , '' continued the American . `` I wanted to have a chance at them . I never saw mackerel caught before . I suppose I 'll be very awkward at first . '' `` It 's not a very hard thing to do , '' said Benjamin stiffly , speaking for the first time since their meeting . `` Most anybody could catch mackerel for a while -- it 's the sticking to it that counts . '' He turned abruptly and went back to his boat . He could not force himself to talk civilly to the stranger , with that newly born demon of distrust gnawing at his heart . `` I think I 'll go out , '' he said . `` It 's freshening up . I should n't wonder if the mackerel schooled soon . '' `` I 'll go , too , then , '' said Mr. Murray . `` Hi , up there ! Leon and Pete ! Hi , I say ! '' Two more French Canadians came running down from the Murray fish-house , where they had been enjoying a siesta . They fished in the Murray boat .
A good deal XXXXX friendly rivalry as to catch went on between the two boats , while Leon and Mosey Louis were bitter enemies on their own personal account .
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