Than Mr. Choate, no man in the South knew more about the multitudinous varieties of fish inhabiting Florida waters.  He was not only an authority on them, but he was also recognized as a most skillful catcher of fish.  For over an hour that evening he told them absorbing stories of the habits of Gulf Stream denizens, and recited stirring tales of battles with some of the biggest of them.  And when he finally announced, "To-morrow I shall see that you are given a taste of our wonderful fish-life by joining me in a fishing expedition," they could hardly get to sleep for thinking of the fine prospect.