146 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



I lodge my grappling iron in the body of yonder 

 salmon ? Hold tight, my youngster, here he comes, 

 twelve good pounds I warrant him. 



Otter. The fish I have hold of is still heavier, and 

 flags a degree or two in the main, but I shall have 

 some work yet ere he is thoroughly tired out. His 

 paces are more measured and sober, and he seems not 

 a little non-plussed how to proceed. The curbing of a 

 prime salmon like this is pleasurable to our nerves. I 

 like his runs and rangings his zealous pushes after 

 escape and liberty his strong facing of the rapids, 

 and his plunge brave and systematic. Help him to a 

 touch of thy gaff-hook, Jack, and, mind thou, keep 

 clear of the line, and do the job cleverly, as thou art 

 wont. Good ! he is mastered ; lay him alongside of 

 the other, and let us test the twain, while the pool is 

 under process of recovery. The floundering of these 

 fish must have scared their neighbours ; but no, they 

 are still at play, and, if tempted cunningly, will show 

 face to us anon. The salt-water louse is still on the 

 pate of this fellow ; he has but lately left the sea, and 

 is in beautiful trim for the table. Shall we pack him 

 off to the inn, Jack, and have him cooked for our 

 dinner ? 



Leister. Nay, Tom, I love to be graced with my 

 spoils, and were you to rob me of their presence, 'tis 

 ten to one but I should lose all power and inclination 

 to take another cast. Allow them to remain, I shall 

 angle the more vigorously when they are by me. 



