Noon
Frost-loosened crimson leaves came whirling down , settling in a bright blanket that covered the water several feet from the bank , and unfortunate bees that had fallen into the river struggled frantically to gain a footing on them . Water beetles shot over the surface in small shining parties , and schools of tiny minnows played along the banks . Once a black ant assassinated an enemy on Dannie 's shoe , by creeping up behind it and puncturing its abdomen . Noon came , and neither of the fishermen spoke or moved from their work . The lunch Mary had prepared with such care they had forgotten . A little after noon , Dannie got another strike , deep fishing . Mid-afternoon found them still even , and patiently fishing .