230 BY HOOK AND BY CROOK. 



the cast, so we retraced our steps to the foot of the 

 island, and had waded down nearly to the end of the 

 catch, when we became aware of a presence on the 

 bank, and upon facing round were greeted with a cheery 

 '^ good morning ! '^ followed by an inquiry as to what 

 sport we had experienced. 



We replied '^ pretty fair," and continued casting, 

 noting that the new comer stood about 6 ft. 3 in. in his 

 boots, which, topped with leather leggings and corduroy 

 breeches, gave him a particularly business-like appear- 

 ance, and imbued us with the idea that it would be 

 no pleasant job to take him on. 



A few yards behind him stood a stout cob with a lad 

 on his back, which evidently had brought the visitors 

 over the ford, for the cob was the only wet-footed one 

 of the party. 



"Whatever might be the keeper's business, it seemed 

 to hang fire a bit and evidently was against the grain, 

 but after much hesitation out it came — 



" Sorry to disturb you. Sir ; but my orders are to 

 warn everyone off from fishing from the island.'^ 



We replied that we had liberty to fish from it, and 

 under such circumstances intended to enjoy the right 

 and exercise it. 



'■' Tm only doing my duty. Sir," he replied ; '^ and if 

 anybody doesn't move off when he's warned, my orders 

 are to throw him in." 



In a case like this it is much harder to deal with a 

 deputy than with a principal, as, after all, the deputy. 



