54 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



that he was forced to be one of themselves. Forced 

 he was, indeed ! To select, willingly, the outcast bread 

 of an exciseman, is to abandon for ever all principle, 

 all feeling, and all hopes of redemption to come ! 



Swivel. This is a tirade, Jack a right impetuous 

 volley of words ! But see these worthies are charging 

 down upon our comrades ; we must ford the stream 

 and unite forces. 



Exeunt. 



ANOTHER PART OF THE RIVER. 

 Enter LEISTER, OTTER, MAY-FLY, tfcc. , <fcc. ; alw POACHERS. 



Gaff. They love not our appearance, methinks, and 

 will move off after all. 



May. I trust not. Let us force the shy humour 

 out of them should they flinch. Are they not more 

 in number than we are, abler-bodied, and stronger- 

 sinewed, having fists like rough iron cased in harness- 

 leather ? Why then not encounter us ? Ha ! they 

 advance like men and heroes ! How now ? What 

 need ye, my honest fellows, that ye beat up our 

 intrenchments so unceremoniously ? Are ye on a 

 pilgrimage, and want food ? Are ye traffickers, and 

 have wares to dispose of ? Foot-pads haply ? Nay, 

 look not so wisely ignorant, so lost-like. Maybe we 



