24 TROUT-FISHING IN BROOKS 



my feelings. My friend, who at first was all 

 expectancy, gradually discounted my qualifica- 

 tions, and I noticed that idiotic grin which we 

 anglers know so well, and loathe, stealing over his 

 features. Fly, worm, Devon, all appeared equally 

 useless ; not a solitary rise or bite did I get. The 

 mystery was not solved until we reached a mill 

 and the miller. " Is this stream very much 

 fished ? " said I to that dusty gentleman. " I 

 can't make it out, but I haven't stirred a fish." 

 " I reckon you ain't, mister," returned he coolly, 

 " 'cos there ain't none in it. They was all 

 poisoned two years agone." 



