A LAKER 



into the boat, for I did not trouble to use the 

 net. 



So this sort of thing went on. One afternoon 

 a terrific thunder-storm broke, and most of the 

 rain seemed to fall on me, which only made my 

 disgust the stronger. It was late in June ; the 

 flies never bit better or more smartly. By way of 

 recreation, I did have fifteen minutes' fun with a 

 trout which was kind enough to take my trolling 

 bait. It was a godsend, and I enjoyed both 

 catching and eating it. 



But my hate grew stronger every hour ; every 

 togue sulked, made no decent rush, and was utterly 

 stupid. So I gave it up and went back to my 

 camp, where I could have splendid, glorious trout 

 fishing. I vowed I never, never would be fool 

 enough to try any more togue fishing ; and for 

 some time afterwards, if I heard togue or laker 

 spoken of as being in such a pond or lake, I 

 rushed elsewhere. Such was my introduction to 

 and deductions regarding the laker. 



CHAPTER II—rHE ^UICK 



Early in springtime, so early that the water 

 itself seemed to the touch as if it ought to be 

 frozen instead of being fluid ; the air bracing ; 



VOL. I. 14 209 



