SALMON ANGLING IN IRELAND. 251 



stock took place. For the last hour the storms of rain had come 

 down more heavily, and those disagreeable wet stains on stones 

 previously dry which you and I know so well ^began to make 

 themselves too visible. The river was rising there was no longer 

 any possibility of doubting it ; and, what was worse, the fish had 

 ceased rising too ; but with seven salmon and nine trout in the bag, 

 and the sun likely to continue above the horizon till 5.40, retreat 

 was out of the question. The rain might cease, in which case 

 the river would soon fall, and perhaps give us a splendid half -hour 

 before dark ; at any rate it was a chance worth waiting for, and 

 one we were little likely to throw away. Bryan, however, thought 

 the prospect hopeless, and was, moreover, tortured with visions 

 of cold iron that should have been glowing, and damaged plough- 

 shares that long since ought to have been mended. His potatoes 

 were growing cool in the pot by the whitening embers ; excitement 

 was over ; the future promised little, and conscience, taking advan- 

 tage of the opportunity, was reproving his late abandonment of 

 duty for the flowery path of pleasure. As I knew the river pretty 

 well from former visits, there was no excuse for keeping even so 

 able a guide as Bryan ; with many thanks, therefore, for his services, 

 and an appointment for the coming Tuesday, I saw him scutter over 

 the bog like a wild duck, and soon disappear in the mist. 



Three four o'clock the water has attained its maximum. Half- 

 past four a quarter of an inch lower. Five heavy shower ; river 

 rising. All this weary while my sober companion had been sitting 

 under the very insuflScient shelter of a bank, vainly trying to save a 

 wetting. To say he was like Patience on a monument would have 

 been a similitude most disparaging, for poor Patience, if left too 

 long on her silent seat, is apt to grow green and melancholy with 

 mildew and rough weather ; but that dear brown face was as calm 

 and bright as ever. 



A few minutes more and twilight began to fall, when prepara- 

 tions were hastily made for departure. " Do you know the way 

 back to the road in the dark, master ? I think it's somewhere over 

 there," observed Patience, pointing with the butt of the rod vaguely 



