KELS AND LAMrERNES. 2G9 



hasty steps approached his side, hut, turning 

 round, he stood and intently regarded me. 



^^ Sir," I exchximed, and I was ready to cry, 

 'Svill you forgive me for wliat has passed, and 

 heHeve that I shall now be very ha23py to see 

 you fish in my mother's river ?" 



After a short pause, in which he still regarded 

 me, — ^' Yes," he said, ^' I do believe you, my young 

 friend, and I will fish again, for your amusement, 

 I am sure, as well as mine." 



The rod being again put together, I showed 

 him the best perch holes and gudgeon shallows, 

 all of which were well known to me, and saw 

 him, at half-past eight that evening, proceed to his 

 inn with a very good dish of fish for supper. I 

 did not tell this story to my brothers^ for I 

 thought that perhaps some of them would deride 

 my conduct on tliis occasion, and laugh at me. 



Long years have passed over my eventful life 

 since then, but I scarce know any one of my 

 boyish actions which, on reflection, gives me so 

 much pleasure as this: perhaps it promoted some 

 of the better phases of action, and suggested to 

 a generous heart, which ought ever to be in the 

 breast of a soldier and gentleman, that on every 



