104 FANCY'S DIFFICULTIES AND 



I have included throws far and near, light and 

 heavy, and lines stretched and slack. 



Herb. I never imagined so much could be 

 said about it, I assure you. 



Theoph. After all, then, you perceive that this 

 art, when once understood, and after a little prac- 

 tice, is not so very difficult to achieve; you may 

 now laugh at the spectral giants in your path, as 

 a friend of mine did once. One day he went out 

 to bathe in the sea, and being more provident 

 than "Mr. Bubb, of the von hoss chay" celebrity, 

 engaged me to take charge of his garments ; we 

 were both ignorant of the coast, or set of the 

 tide; however, being a good swimmer, in he went, 

 though the tide was ebbing fast. I lay reading 

 on the beach, ever and anon casting a furtive 

 glance at the exhibitor. He ventured a long way 

 out methought, but as he appeared vigorous, I 

 imagined nothing wrong and went on reading, 

 and when my volume was finished I was surprised 

 to see what a dance I should have to reach where 

 I then found he must come ashore; for the tide 

 had evidently carried him unwittingly far away. 

 He was, when I got opposite him, "stemming" 

 almost "steaming" it, most lustily; and ap- 

 peared distressed. A fisherman passed me and I 

 enquired as to danger, &c. He assured me there 

 was none; for though near half-a-mile off, it was 



