Wiping out a Sad Past

My unmanliness preyed on my mind and I determined that I would make amends for my failure at the first opportunity. Another fine day induced us

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to go out once more to the rocks. We caught only one fish with our hand-net, but we found a colony of pauas. Kate suggested that we should look for crayfish. I readily agreed, hoping to wipe out my past. Kate caught three small ones, but I was after big game—a pawharu, or full-sized crayfish. I was feeling along with my foot when I put it into a hole and felt a large crustacean. I dived, forgetful that a stingaree might be about, and with both hands I gripped the large crayfish and bore it ashore with glee. I had retrieved my reputation and had regained Kate's respect.