46 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



drubbing, and a bellyful besides of river water ; at 

 any rate, we shall give them a screed of our opinion, 

 and compel their compliance into the bargain. 



May. Nay, now, we had better delay our inter- 

 ference ; it will gain us nothing but ill-will and a 

 grudge. These rascals never forgive what they 

 imagine to be an insult, and are in no wise particular 

 about the manner of their revenge. What say you. 

 Doctor ? 



Swivel. Why, stand up for our rights, to be sure. 

 Can we hit upon a better plan than to march up at 

 once in two bodies to their shoe points, and, without 

 even a good-morrow, commence stretching a series of 

 cross-lines in front of them ? It nettles a man 

 stylishly to be foiled with his own weapon ! 



Leister. Good, Doctor ; the expedient is an admir- 

 able one. Hackle, yourself, and I, will ford the river ; 

 while Otter, May-fly, and Tim Gaff, assail them on this 

 side of it. 



Swivel. Moreover, let us hang out instead of tackle 

 an array of scares, in the shape of crow-feathers ; they 

 are to be found, I have no doubt, in great plenty 

 under yonder rookery in the elm-grove. 



Otter. Excellent, Doctor ; thou hast the knack 

 of scheming well ; so we shall e'en lend thee a hand, 

 in order to take the devil destructive out of these 

 rascals. 



