3 o ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



garies of the latter, a newly hooked grilse, prevented 

 any amicable crossing of rods, such as is generally 

 adopted on similar occasions. Besides, the other angler 

 seemed determined to keep his ground, and preserve 

 the full altitude of his rod, although Otter's run of line 

 was considerably the longer. The spot where this 

 fellow, a surly poacher from the neighbourhood of 

 Hawick, happened to stand, was a small ledge of rock 

 running into a deep, dangerous eddy of water. 

 Although requested by Otter to alter his position and 

 lower his rod, both of which he might have done with- 

 out the slightest risk of losing the fish, he notwithstand- 

 ing thought proper to remain obstinately immoveable. 

 Time, however, was not to be thrown aside, the line of 

 our worthy friend being pretty far spent, and the salmon 

 in no mood to be thwarted. Accordingly, enraged at 

 the hindrance offered by the sulky and determined rustic, 

 Otter in rather angry terms ordered him a second 

 time to move out of his way. This demand not 

 being complied with, our incensed angler took it at 

 once into his head to trip up the fellow's heels, in such 

 a manner that he popped directly into the river, 

 and commenced floundering for his life in the midst 

 of the rapid current. There arose a sort of dilemma 

 to our friend, who was forthwith called upon to 

 hesitate betwixt the poacher and the salmon ; and 

 really, thought he, if to save the one I must relin- 

 quish the other, it is no gain to me. Accordingly, he 

 continued at his fish, notwithstanding the impre- 



