TRAGEDY OF A TROUT 



keeper believes that the pike, intensely watchful 

 of the man, overlooks the noose. He declares 

 that so sly is the pike that if he sees and is seen 

 by one, and goes off to fetch his pole and wire, 

 that pike has invariably disappeared by the time 

 he returns. It sounds like a story of wild life, 

 well invented, but not true ; and yet I am not sure 

 that the keeper may not be right. One of the 

 most curious habits in any wild creature is that 

 which the pike has of gradually, by imperceptible 

 movements, retiring from view when it sees a man 

 on the bank near its lair. It fades into nothingness, 

 like the Cheshire Cat. I have often watched with 

 wonder and delight a pike thus spiriting itself 

 away. Whether the habit is useful for attack as 

 well as defence is a question worth following up. 



