144 ANGLING & ART IN SCOTLAND 



Orchy, returning the following morning. Old 

 Archie, so the Major informed me, begged so hard 

 to be allowed to accompany him — he never having 

 seen a salmon landed from a river — that at last the 

 Major consented. 



The gallant soldier was fortunate enough to bring 

 back a couple of nice fish, and I had the good luck 

 to meet Archie on the terrace immediately after their 

 return to Loch Awe, when his face was a perfect 

 study of consequential pride. 



"Well, Archie," said I, "so the Major took you 

 with him up the Orchy, I hear." 



" Indeed, yes," replied he. " And who more likely, 

 sir? — And who more likely? — Man and boy, I hev 

 feshed these waterrs for forrty yearrs." 



"Well, I am glad you were able to give the 

 Major some sport," I said. 



" Yes, indeed, sir, it is fery well for a chentleman 

 to hev an experienced hand with him when he iss 

 feshing." 



Whether Archie gaffed the fish himself or not, I 

 did not hear, but I should think probably not, as 

 the Major would be sure to have a Dalmally gillie 

 with him, a man on whom he could rely to know 

 the water thoroughly. 



