140 DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 



the sky to deck the brow of so patient a man, possibly 

 so shght of texture that no human eye could see it, 

 but the httle midge would know its meaning and, 

 with a dip, would pass him by. 



Where, I wonder, are those millions, which form 

 the scum that covers the river's surface, going? Not 

 where the}- are often wished, I hope, or another terror 

 will be added to that dread place. 



The air was thickened with endless columns, par- 

 ticles of which rose and fell in concerted playful mirth. 

 I must move again. I really think the apertures in 

 which my eyes are fixed must be closing up. This 

 is an awful day, and it is only four o'clock. I can hear 

 a reader say, 'Smoke, you foolish man.' 



The reel had made no noise, but I heard a flop- 

 ping ; so I jimiped — yes, jumped and ran; to find 

 two rats chasing each other, whether for fun, love, 

 or anger, I did not discover, as they discovered me 

 and dived. 



Here comes a man the cut of whose garments pro- 

 claims him keeper. I hope I am not trespassing by 

 wandering beyond the boundar}^ line. I was, and 

 had soon to learn it, and his inquir^^ 'Have you 

 caught any?' while I was busy with my wet rag killing 

 all I could, caused me to say, 'Millions, man, millions.' 

 This repty staggered him, and he looked at me to see 

 if there was anything strange about me besides my 

 speech. I Look it as a compliment that he thought me 

 sane enough to be asked again, 'Have you caught any?* 

 While speaking, he looked and saw my creel was 

 empty. I took off my hat that he might better see the 

 havoc the flies had wrought, and found that its brim 

 was closely freckled with the httle wretches, waiting, 

 I suppose, their turn for a vacant spot. That keeper 

 must have been sent by the Fates to tempt me. He 

 smoked and smilingly infomied me that smoking kept 

 i-liem off. I was sorely tempted, and fear I should have 

 fallen from my high resolve; but just then my sons 



