172 SALMON FISHING IN THE TWEED 



bank, just beyond the stream where the fish was 

 lying, and which had been the real object of his 

 remarks. When he had done with the cow, how- 

 ever, I put the rod once more into his hands, and 

 reminded him of the fish. 



" Now throw a few yards above the spot where 

 you see the water boiling around that large blue 

 stone. Very well ; advance a step every time you 

 throw. Capital ! Now you are precisely at the 

 fish. Strike him gently if he rises. Well done ! — 

 by Paid Potter, you have him ! Hold up the top 

 of your rod, and keep an even steady pull upon 

 him." 



" How can I keep a steady pull upon such a 

 wild animal ? Why he springs out of the water, 

 and whizzes about in it, like that firework called a 

 serpent." 



" Be steady — be steady, or he will whiz you 

 about with a witness. Shorten your line ; get into 

 the water, and follow him." 



" What a cruel speech ! Why I never learned 

 to swim. You are exceedingly inconsiderate 

 indeed, sir." 



" Swim ! why the water on this channel is 

 scarcely over your ankles, and I will help you if 

 you should happen to stumble." 



" Then we should both meet a watery grave 

 together. I have often read of such calamities." 



" In with you — in with you, I say ! or he will 

 be off. There, I told you so ; he has broke your 

 line ; and, pray pardon me, but pretty work you 

 have made of it with your tranquillity." 



"Well, as it seems to make you so uneasy, I 



