DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 167 



longer for it. I think it a pleasant break to see the 

 form and hear the voice of a brother sportsman. I 

 dislike an empty house; my own was quickly filled 

 with little strangers — some of them are with me still 

 — who have grown to be my best friends. \\'hen the 

 company at the hotel is a pleasant one much is learned, 

 energies are sharpened, and there is more inchnation 

 for just one more try before leaving off. The spur of 

 competition had much to do with my success that 

 season, which was beyond all previous records, tliirty- 

 four fish, which totalled 620 pounds, in thirty-three 

 days. My knowledge of the river helped me much, 

 and the coiUng tin I am sure gave me some advantage. 



