34 EYES AND NO EYES 
that ; they are hungry, however, as wolves. There he 
lies, motionless, just behind some withy roots that 
run down into the water. Presently there is a ripple 
on the other side, then another ; the fish's fins begin 
to quiver, but his tail does not move. That quiver of 
the fins draws him nearer. But there is only a water 
vole with a bit of sedge in his mouth swimming 
along, and not the least notice does the fish take of 
him. Although at other times voles would come 
to grief, they are safe when young water birds are 
about. 
If I thought fit to go on looking for pike, I should 
find one watching every few yards. One side of the 
pool is bordered by open meadows without any tangle. 
At this season, although very numerous in the water, 
the pike do not frequent the open ; they will come back 
on that side presently, when no more birds are to be 
had. From a small puddle some bird rushes, and 
then flutters broken winged. I know what it means 
the bird has young. It is all a sham, but a first- 
class sham it is ; another step, and away go a clutch 
of young moor-hens, like a lot of black mice on stilts. 
Willow wrens chide me I could almost touch some 
of them but I press quietly on, smothered by dead 
tangle and midges, though it will be impossible for 
me to put up with much more of it. Was that a rat 
