52 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



Sivivel. As you say ; the knobs metallic of these 

 ponderous clogs of theirs might fell a buffalo. I had 

 rather be pawed upon with the hoof of a mettlesome 

 stallion than risk my bones so unsatisfactorily. The 

 dogs are giving signals to some one. Hollo, Otter ! keep 

 a look-out to the right. There is need of a sharp eye. 



Otter. And no lack of one, Doctor. I take the 

 heart out of your hint. 



Hackle. Methinks these ugly customers are well 

 backed, however ; there be no less than five or six 

 others advancing to join them. Such a band of rag- 

 gamuffins ! Satan- visaged rascals ! They would make 

 the tread-mill go round merrily. 



Swivel. One hath a cock in his eye, and is sinister 

 as a lean raven ; another hath the shoulders of a 

 Milo, and sports a pair of huge Erebean whiskers : 

 he is the don of the crew, and in time of despera- 

 tion might wrench off a man's head with his mouth. 

 I marvel how he manages to find food for such a 

 magnificent semi-globe. 



Leister. A pennyworth would preserve him. 

 Being an exciseman, he subsists entirely by 

 drink. 



Swivel. An exciseman and a poacher and a 

 drunkard ! 



Leister. Ay, Doctor ! Thou art not lessoned in 

 these matters. Thou knowest little of the excise 

 in Scotland. Ib has proved the curse and canker- 

 worm of our country : its influences have deranged 



