70 LAKE SUPERIOR. 



rewarded, and we landed some fine fish of from one 

 to two pounds, and had grand sport with them in 

 the current and eddies. Putting on for a tail-fly a 

 large, full, brown hackle with scarlet body and sil- 

 ver twist, I at last advanced cautiously towards the 

 black pool below the shute, and keeping w^ell out of 

 sight, cast it across the boiling water ; it fell among 

 a mass of whirling foam, but being swept down, 

 passed over a portion of the dark water, and was 

 ravenously seized by a fine trout. 



Astounded at the unexpected consequence, the 

 frightened fish darted hither and thither about the 

 pool until, finding his efforts to free iiiniself vain, he 

 rushed towards the rapids below. Here the rod and 

 line were powerless to restrain him, and he made 

 the reel spin as I followed along the rocks. How- 

 ever, with care he was guided through the dangers 

 of the foaming current, strong eddies, and project- 

 ing rocks, and was led after a long battle into a spot 

 of comparative quiet, near an old dead tree that 

 projected over the water. 



Being myself prevented from approaching by the 

 branches of this tree, I instructed Frank to watch 

 a good chance and use the net ; but never shall I 

 forget his look as, after two or three vain attempts 

 — ^for he w^as not altogether skilful — the upper fly 

 caught in his shirt, and the trout, which must have 

 weighed at least three pounds, made a furious dash, 

 parted the leader, and escaped. As though it was 

 my fault, instead of his awkwardness, Frank turned 

 towards me with a most reproachful expression. 



