SALMON ANGLING IN IRELAND. 255 



* I'd like to know, that's all. It will be hot like yesterday, I'm 

 thinking. Willie says it won't be good for the fishing." 



The weather had again become fine, and we were about to enjoy a 

 little longer the last days of Indian summer a season so beautiful 

 in the highlands of Donegal. The mist lay heavy on the river, and, 

 moved by a faint air blowing up the estuary, curled in a thousand 

 graceful wreaths, slowly sailing upwards till lost in the blue above. 



Doubly beautiful looked the ivied ruins of the castle ; weird and 

 spectral the aspens showed on the low parapet under its walls ; 

 whilst an occasional yellow leaf dropped silently into the water, 

 eloquently reminding us that summer was over and winter at 

 hand. 



A few steps carried me across the road to the shingles, where I at 

 once set to work for my family. The fish were neither large nor 

 numerous, yet a decent one was presently dragged on shore, rapped 

 on the head, and laid on the stones which served as a larder. Before 

 breakfast time the industrious workman, having provided for the 

 immediate wants of his household, was doubtful as to the propriety 

 of once more trying the last stream down again for his own special 

 amusement, when the question was settled for him. 



**I can only find three, master," said a very demure little maiden, 

 arranging the trio more symmetrically on a dish. Mary had come, 

 as usual, to carry home what was wanted for present use, and whilst 

 we hunted among the stones for a brace of small sea-trout which 

 she had overlooked, that spoiled " young person " took up the con- 

 versation where it had been left an hour before. 



" Willie says it won't be a good day for sport. We shan't have 

 many more like it this year, and I'm sure the mistress would like to 

 go on the lake." 



I saw what was expected, and resolved to do it handsomely. 

 " There," placing the missing fish beside their companions in 

 misfortune, " now, you have all. Eun away home. I'll see what 

 can be done." 



The proposition was favourably received ; Micky Doolan's car was 

 ordered, and soon bore us towards a low-wooded point, where the 



