SALMON ANGLINO IN IRELAND. 275 



beauty of the neiglibourhood, which, though most solitary, possesses 

 all the appliances of civilization. 



Inexorable time, which drives us all forwards whether we will or 

 no, warns me to "move on." There, in the midst of that aguish 

 swamp, stand the walls of a cabin long deserted; and, close to the 

 ruin, the river forms a deep pool, which, in the changeful light, 

 seemed black as ink. Willie drew closer to his master, and pointed 

 with the butt end of the gaff to a small wave which, rolling towards 

 either bank, was at the moment breaking against the peaty shore. 

 No explanation was needed ; it was plain that a salmon above the 

 average of the water had risen, and equally plain that he was 

 marked out exultingly as an object to be murdered forthwith. 



"How big ?" in a husky whisper to my companion, who at the 

 moment was rapidly turning over the leaves of our book. " Did 

 you see him ?" 



" Why, no, master ; that is, not exactly, but I think I seen the 

 rim of his tail." 



"Well, what was he like ?" 

 "Maybe he's fourteen pounds, maybe more." 

 No unnecessary time was lost, you may be sure. The casting-line 

 was speedily yet carefully examined. Knots and loops were in- 

 spected, and a new fly mounted for trail. Already the squall of 

 wind and rain darkened the surface, as the line dropped easily on 

 the water at the neck of the pool. Cast followed cast, and now we 

 were over him ay, and into him. 



" The fish feels uncommonly light, Willie." 



"Wait a wee, master; he don't know what's the matter yet. 

 He'll grow heavier presently. He's fourteen pounds if he's an 

 ounce." 



Round and round his prison flew the captive, now on the point of 

 dashing out of the back door, now meditating an escape by running 

 straight ahead. Still, though active, there seemed nothing in him. 

 My poor companion looked from the bending rod to the tension of 

 the line, and from the line peered vainly into the black water. He 

 seemed puzzled. 



T 2 



