172 A YEAR OF liberty; OR, 



Ms own misconduct, subjected to this ungentlemanly treatment once, 

 he experienced it twenty times ; there was no putting him into a 

 passion ; his impassibility was wonderful. If he could not be roused, 

 I was growing desperate, for on all sides boats were taking fish, 

 whilst we had one that would not be taken. Poling nearly over him, 

 I pulled, and pulled, and pulled. Surely mere mortal matter must 

 weary in time. Ay, but in what length of time ? in an hour ? in a 

 day ? in a week ? Certainly not in an hour, for I had laboured for 

 more than that space to make that impression, and had utterly failed 

 in moving him. 



"He's a raal sulky villin," observed Willie, whose habitual 

 patience was fast giving way ; "may I try, master ?" 



Too happy to be quit of the business, I handed him the rod. 

 "Pole ahead, Tom." Mr. Nameless did so; and after five or six 

 minutes spent in doing all that man could do, came another order : 

 " Shove astern." This failed likewise. The obstinate party had 

 been tried behind and before, on the right and on the left. " He 

 an't mortal ! If he don't move this time, I'd better break, hadn't I ? " 

 A nod gave consent. Slowly, steadily, gradually, the strain was 

 increased, but nothing came of it ; and with a sigh of relief I "saw 

 the tight line at length spring upwards, and we were free. From 

 the numbers killed around us during what may be termed our 

 captivity, I doubt not that but for this accident, we should have 

 added five or six grilse to our score ; and had it not been for this 

 untoward event, the day would probably have proved one of the best 

 that ever fell to my lot. 



By my side lies an old local newspaper, which speaks of the 

 period which I have endeavoured to sketch. Perhaps the reader 

 might like to see it ; if so I will give him a verbatim et literatim 

 copy: 



Angling on the Mot. The piscatory amusement on our river during the 

 present delightful season amply repays the sportsman's toil. Our town since 

 the angling opened has been thronged with sporting gentlemen from England 

 and Scotland, and we rejoice that none of them will leave dissatisfied with 

 their stay. On the whole, it is pleasing to record that the Moy has come 

 round to its usual status as a sporting stream. . . . We have made,inquiries 



