THE TRUE STORY OF THE "BOSS TROUT." 265 



"Yes, we'll ask Cook, but you shan't bribe him, 'Squire, 

 with that black bottle, down with it! " 



"Gentlemen," responded the 'Squire, as he lifted aloft 

 the bottle, "I shall appeal to Cook to tell the truth, the 

 whole truth and nothing but the truth! Here, Cook!" 

 we had driven up to him, and the stage had stopped, 

 'here. Cook, didn't I cateh that boss trout with a hook and 

 lineV Here, take a drink before you speak," handinghim 

 the bottle "you can tell the truth better with the taste of 

 this in your mouth." 



"Shame, shame! 'Squire, to bribe the witness!" cried the 

 Senator; 'Cook, isn't it the honest fact that the 'Squire 

 caught the trout in a net, and didn't you see him do it?" 



Cook had taken one good, long drink, and was handing 

 the bottle back to the 'Squire, his eyes longingly following 

 it, and his lips smacking. 



"Tell the truth, Cook," said the 'Squire; "didn't I take 

 it wilh hook and line? Here, before you answer, take the 

 re-i <it this 1 " handing him the liottle again. 



Cook took it. held it up, and with his eye measured the 

 contents. 



" Oh, take it all. Cook," said the 'Squire. 



Another look. there was enough spirit in the bottle to 

 -end him into a fence corner for the rest of the da}', and 

 he said, " ///'/*. x* cfil Itili'i'U Kt!n/ /'(.'" and swallowed the 

 entire contents. 



"There, now. Cook tell us the truth didn't I catch 

 that trout with hook and line ' J . " 



\Ye listened to see what answer was coming, after two 

 such drinks: it was given deliberately 



