166 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



Enter KEEPERS. 



1 st Keeper. So ho ! masters, still as I left you ? 



Swivel. Nay, friend ; my rod is idle, as half an eye 

 might discern. This is a fair piece of water. 



1st Keeper. And I warrant me, you have raked it 

 foully. But you must e'en deliver these rods and fish 

 into our keeping, and trudge off. 



Swivel. Hear you, Bill, what the knave hath need 

 of! I presume, friend, you hold special authority for 

 this demand. Well ! should we decline compliance, 

 how mean you to act ? What ! is't thus ? Aback and 

 discover your warrant, else shall we reckon with you as 

 common foot-pads. I pray you, hands off ! is it your 

 design to assault and rob us ? 'Sooth, ye should have 

 studied your men more accurately but take a care. 



2d Keeper. D you, sir, yield up this rod ! 



2d KEEPER attempts to seize the fishing-rod from SWIVELTOP, 

 who knocks him down. 



Swivel. Art satisfied, friend ? By heavens ! rascal, 

 lower that barrel of thine. 



1st Keeper. Surrender by G ! 



Presenting his gun, which MAY-FLY, rushing up to him, 

 forces out of his hand, and flings into the loch. 



May. Eh ? villain, wouldest play the miscreant ? 

 March thou after that birding-piece of thine, and allow 



