434 Ikinss of tbe 1Rot>, IRffle, anb (Bun 



'Then you think there is not much chance for any 

 one, and least of all for a stranger like myself.' 



' I dinna think the like o' ye can do muckle, though 

 I will no say but ye may light on a wee bit trout, or 

 may be on a happening fish. That's a bonny little 

 wand you've got ; and she shimmers so with varnish, 

 that I'm thinking that when she is in the eye o' the sun 

 the fish will come aneath her, as they do to the blaze in 

 the water.' 



Sandy was evidently lampooning my Higginbotham. 

 I therefore replied that she had. more shining qualities 

 than were often met with on the northern side of the 

 Tweed. At this personality, my pleasant friend took 

 out a large mull from his pocket, and applying a copious 

 quantity of its contents to his nose, politely responded, 

 'Ye needna fash yoursel' to observe about the like 

 o' her ; she is no worth this pinch o' snuff.' 



He then very courteously handed his mull to me. 

 ' Well,' said I, still modestly, ' she will do well enough 

 for a bungler like me.' I was trolling for a compliment. 

 * Ay, that she will,' said he. 



Though a little mortified, I was not sorry to get him 

 to this point ; for I knew I could overwhelm him with 

 facts, and the more diffidently I conducted myself the 

 more complete would be my triumph. So laying down 

 my pet rod on the channel, I very deliberately took out 

 my two-pounder as a feeler. He looked particularly 

 well ; for I had tied up his mouth, that he might keep 

 his shape, and moistened him with soaked fern to pre- 

 serve his colour. I fear I looked a little elate on the 

 occasion : assuredly I felt so. 



