CLOSE OF THE SEASON. 173 



hover around the pregnant fish. These, in order to 

 obtain the dainty meal, rake up the gravel in all 

 directions, and scruple not to devour promiscuously 

 the roe and fry of their own species. I have now 

 hold of a voracious-looking rascal, and shall discover 

 to you the contents of his wallet. Is not this an 

 offender of note ? here is no less than an ounce of 

 newly shed spawn, mingled sparingly with flies and 

 water-insects. 



May. He hath paid the penalty. But look you, 

 Tom, how Jack Leister and Swiveltop bring in the 

 bald-pates. If, as you say, the more the merrier, what 

 objection have you to dip a hand into the mine 'of 

 their good fortune ? 



Otter. None in the world, Bill. 



