170 SALMON FISHING IN THE TWEED 



was clean, new, and Cockney-like, and I ventured 

 to give him a hint to this effect. 



" Well now, I declare, sir, that is very singular ; 

 because I certainly caught two trout, and put them 

 into my creel. But I dare say you are a little 

 absent, and did not notice them ; I am somewhat 

 absent myself occasionally." 



He examined the basket, and found only gloves 

 by themselves — gloves. 



" Where can I have put them ? " 



" Indeed I can't guess, sir." 



He then began to shuffle about and examine his 

 waistcoat pockets and those of his pantaloons, nay, 

 actually his fob. 



" Perhaps, sir, you did not find quite room 

 enough in your fob, and put them into your coat 

 pocket for fear they should soil the basket." 



" Bless me ! so I did ; and here they are, truly. 

 I see now how it is ; in a hurry, and whilst I was 

 wrapt in admiration of the scenery, I put the gloves 

 where the fish should have been, and vice versa — 

 nothing could be more natural." 



This he said with a simplicity worthy of the 

 golden age. But he declared that although he was 

 not at that moment very intent on the sport, he did 

 like fishing exceedingly. " Because," said he, " it 

 requires no parade of attendance, like other field 

 sports ; it leads to the most beautiful spots ; and I 

 take up my rod and my painting box at any hour I 

 please, and saunter over the flowery meads, in a 

 state of tranquil enjoyment, amidst all the most 

 pleasing images of rural life." 



I observed there was considerable excitement in 



