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CHATTER XXIX. 



A TSETTT KETTLE OF FISH. 



We were in an exceedingly pleasant humour one spring 

 morning, for the prospect of a week's leisure lay before 

 us, likewise the choice of two opportunities to fish for 

 salmon — one an invite to a friend^s house and river, the 

 other an offer of a ticket giving the right over a good 

 stretch of water in sight of a comfortable little Inn 

 capable of supplying the requirements of an angler. 



The probabilities of sport at either river were about 

 equal, and we were prepared to stand ourselves a httle 

 treat ; yet we were on the horns of a dilemma — swayed 

 on the one side by visions of the pleasant companion- 

 ship of our host^s household, the good things he would 

 have in store for us, and, last but not least, by the 

 advantage of private water. 



On the other hand, the advantages of the freedom 

 and independence of the Inn were somewhat discounted 

 by the probability of having to compete with other rods, 

 and take our turn at the pools. 



It was long before this knotty point was solved, until 



q2 



