96 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



of our late sovereign and with a resolute master, 

 I have no doubt we could force him to abandon the 

 pool. 



3d Trout. T would be a praiseworthy action. 



2d Trout. Not so, Master White-fin. Who is our 

 safe-guard against Sir Otter ? 



3d Trout. Why ! 'tis rumoured he is dead also. 



2d Trout. Strange rumours these, if true. 



3d Trout. Moreover, 'tis whispered the land-craft 

 are abroad. 



1st Trout. Ay ! plain enough, Master White-fin. 

 They have a hand in these butcheries, no doubt. But 

 see what a sweet morsel above thee a prime fly. 

 Thou'rt lean in the shoulders, and hast need of food ; I 

 yield it. 



3rf TROUT rises, and finds himself fixed. 



3d Trout. Oh ! oh ! help ! help ! 



1st Trout. What ! trapped ? have they a hold of 

 thee, loon ? Good-bye, good-bye ; come away, com- 

 rade. 



2d Trout. He's past rescue, methinks. Adieu, 



Master White-fin. 



Exeunt 1st and 2d TROUT. 



3d Trout. Oh ! ungrateful traitors, will nothing 

 save me ? Three times have I leapt upwards, twice 

 have I sounded the channel, and once have I made 

 for my den across the stream. I must e'en come 

 ashore now. Alack-a-day ! 



3d TROUT is dragged off. 



