ii8 ANGLING & ART IN SCOTLAND 



used had been much more powerful, and the rod, 

 one might think, materially weakened by such 

 strenuous efforts. 



In the meantime, at any rate, the fish was 

 behaving in a gentlemanly and sober manner, 

 which allowed the decks to be cleared for action 

 — also allowed me to recover some of the ordinary 

 composure necessary in such an emergency. 



With bated breath we discussed the probable 

 conduct of affairs that the enemy might adopt. 

 It was then half-past six, and under ordinary cir- 

 cumstances we should return home in the course 

 of an hour. But — how long might it not be before 

 we could conquer this sullen monster, taking his 

 lordly way around the boat ? Unless — Ah I unless — 

 The alternative was too heartrending to entertain 

 for a moment, — though was it not a foregone 

 conclusion? 



For twenty minutes I stared steadily, with 

 eyes that ached and became dimmed with mist, 

 at the point where the line, like a thin bar of 

 steel, majestically cut its way through the water, 

 as Ronald followed the fish in a stately procession 

 round the loch, always watching for a visible sign 

 of the sudden change in tactics which one well 



