158 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



Swivel. Besist, by all means, Bill. There can be 

 no legal hindrance to our angling hereabout, seeing 

 we possess freedom of trespass from the tenantry. 

 Are trout not common to all, and the property of 

 the captor ? Let us combat the matter, Bill, and 

 stand fast. 



Enter KEEPER. 



Keeper. May I ask, masters, whether you have the 

 proprietor's written permission to angle in this loch ? 



Swivel. How, friend, does your laird shut up his 

 waters, so that strangers, like us, have it not in our 

 power to take an hour's amusement even on a re- 

 mote hill-top ? We have no passport, nor count upon 

 one as needful, but intend to remain where we are, 

 until driven away by the strong hand ; wherefore 

 attempt not of thyself to foil us, but betake thee 

 else-ward. 



Keeper. Having warned you, masters, you will 

 not refuse to yield me your names for prosecution, 

 else must I proceed to call in assistance, being so 

 empowered ? 



Swivel. Here be our cards, friend, which you 

 may bear on a thunderbolt to your laird ; mean- 

 while, we shall angle here according to our discre- 

 tion, and shall possibly, you can inform him, do 

 ourselves the honour of presenting him, ere sunset, 

 with a creelful of good trout so God speed you ! 

 What wait you for ? 



