130 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



Swivel. But how are we to find it, Bill ? Is't ta 

 the right or left hand of us, think you ? 



May. To the left, I opine. 



Swivel. To the left, then, let us turn by all means, 

 although I have my doubts on't. 



May. Doubters are always in the wrong, Doctor. 



Swivel. "We shall see, Bill. I marvel much what 

 Otter and Leister can be about at present ? 



May. Snug at Bunaw, where we ourselves ought to 

 have remained, instead of trudging up this houseless 

 glen without their company, and at dead of night too 

 ay ! and hungry as wolves, wet as fishes, and 

 weary as souls in purgatory. 



Swivel. Who is to blame, Bill ? 



May, Oh ! of course, my unfortunate self. But 

 what could we miserable anglers capture out of the 

 broad Awe ? not even a wretched par. 



Swivel. And what did we capture out of the narrow 

 Etive ? Where were the hosts of sea-trout you pro- 

 mised me, Bill ? the sparkling salmon and capering 

 grilses ? Where that pleasant inn your fancy 

 pictured, overlooking a pool paved with fish, so that 

 from its windows we might handle our wands, and 

 while discussing the contents of a punch-bowl, land 

 at the same time a sixteen-pounder ? Glorious 

 dreams, these Elysian visions, Bill ! What a brief 

 walk we had, besides, from Portsonachan, level and 

 void of roughnesses ; to be sure our eyes were well 

 feasted ; there were heaths, and brackens, and barked 



