ii4 Sporting Sketches 



some of the boys were wading in a pond left by high 

 water, a lamprey fastened upon a bare leg. That 

 boy did more stunts in one minute for no reward 

 than he would attempt now for five thousand dol- 

 lars! The thing finally let go, and only a slight 

 mark remained. 



So much for the fishes of boyhood, and, inci- 

 dentally, for the boys themselves. Of that happy 

 party, some have since learned about the fishes of 

 the Shadow River. The others are scattered far 

 and wide, some glad with human hopes, some, alas ! 

 gray with human griefs. Some have seen the great 

 salmon pools and trout waters of remotest wilds, and 

 have learned the science of modern tools and per- 

 fected methods. Perchance their barefoot training 

 has ofttimes stood them in good stead. It may 

 be that the survivors would gladly cast aside their 

 modern improvements for the privilege of once again 

 assembling by the old bonfire ; to see the lines lead- 

 ing into the darkness, the floating captives upon 

 their separate tethers, the mud-puppy roasting upon 

 his pyre, and some thoughtful spirit calmly carving 

 his initials upon a hapless, hissing " turkle." Quien 

 sabe ? 



