"THE AMANDA JANE DOES IT AGAIN!" .

The Amanda Jane was a fine fishing boat. She belonged to Mr. Tom Haines, Bobby's father.  Every day Bobby's father would get up early, before it was light and take the Amanda Jane out fishing. He had to start early, in order to get to the fishing grounds, catch some fish and bring them back to the market before nightfall. That was how he earned his money.

But every Saturday morning, because there was no school, Bobby was allowed to go fishing with his dad. It was so much fun to go out to sea in the Amanda Jane, and he was very proud to help his father earn a living. He always took his dog, Spark, along. Spark loved to go out in the boat and he never got sea sick and was a very good dog.

But by and by, there was some trouble with the Amanda Jane. She was not working so well. Her motor was old and she was having a hard time making it to the fishing grounds and back again before night came. In fact, she was getting so slow that Bobby's father was not catching enough fish. And if he didn't catch enough fish, he couldn't save up the money to buy a new motor...

Things were going from bad to worse.

Then one day, Bobby heard his dad say that it would soon be the last trip for the Amanda Jane. There was just not enough money for a new motor, and maybe he should junk the little boat and get a job working on land. It seemed like the best thing to do. Her little motor was all worn out.

"This is terrible!" Bobby told his dog Spark. "Junk the Amanda Jane? She would be gone forever. This just couldn't be!" So Bobby decided to go and talk to his wise old grandfather. He might know what to do.

"Well, now," said Bobby's grand-dad, when Bobby told him the problem. "The Amanda Jane is getting pretty old alright. But she's still a good little boat. I remember when she was first built. There should be a few years left in her yet. You tell your father not to give up, but keep on going. If she breaks down, just radio me and I'll come out in old Betsy and tow you in. But I bet she can make it. You have to have a little faith, my boy."

"Thanks grand-dad," Bobby said. "I know that she can do it." And he ran home feeling much better, for tomorrow was Saturday, the day Bobby and Spark always went out in the Amanda Jane.

"We're going fishing today, aren't we, dad?" Bobby asked, as soon as he got up in the morning.

"I'm afraid not, Bobby," his father said, sadly. "The junk man is coming to take the Amanda Jane today. It looks like she's had it. Even Tim, the mechanic, said perhaps not to take her out. Anyway, she just won't start."

"Oh, no, dad!" Bobby cried. "We can't let the junk man take her. We just can't!" Even Spark started to whine, the way dogs do.

"It looks like there is no other way, son," his father said.

"But dad," Bobby insisted, "the Amanda Jane can do it again. I just know she can. Let's take her out. We can't give up! With just a little more money, we can buy a new motor. And the fishing looks great today. I just know it is!"

"Well, alright son," his father said. "If you really think so. How can I say no to you and Spark here? We'll give her one more try. And if she starts, we'll go. But if not, then off she goes to the junk yard."

So Bobby and his father and Spark got on board the little boat and his dad put the key in.

"Come on, Amanda Jane," Bobby said to himself. "Come on," as hard as he could. And the Amanda Jane gave a huff and a puff, and then...yes, she started!"

"Hooray!" shouted Bobby. "Let's go. I knew she could do it!"

So Bobby and his dad went out fishing once more, with Spark barking on the bow. And the little boat seemed to try even harder because Bobby and Spark were on board. "Puff, puff, puff," went her motor, as best as she could, all the way to the fishing grounds.

And the fishing was extra good that day, just like Bobby had said. They caught lots and lots of fish and could hardly make it back before nightfall, with the heavy load. It was the best fishing trip they had ever had.

When all the fish were sold at the market, (and a loan from Grand Dad) there was just enough money to buy a new motor. With the new motor, they could catch lots of fish and keep the Amanda Jane - and that's just what everybody wanted.

"You were right, Bobby," his father said. "We didn't give up. We all kept going. And the Amanda Jane did -  "Do it again!"

The end boys and girls...........................Good Night, Sleep Tight.

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