MORE SALMON 55 



Sawdust is not our only trouble. The 

 ancient craft that sometimes come to load at 

 the wharf, seem to require a great number of 

 ropes and anchors to keep them steady. Some 

 of the masters insist on putting a line across 

 the river and tying it to a rock on the opposite 

 bank. This rope "jumps" in the stream, and 

 even if it does not frighten running fish, it 

 would be a very awkward obstruction in case 

 of a fish, while being played, going down out 

 of Lervik or Ladder Pools. Happily this has 

 never happened when a rope was out ; but if 

 ever a big one is lost in this way, there will 

 be trouble. I argued the subject with one 

 old mariner. I asked if when he went to 

 Bergen he put a rope across the harbour. He 

 said " No ; it would be in the way of the 

 steamers." I replied that my fishing was quite 

 as important as any number of steamers, and 

 that the rent exacted from me for it would 

 buy his old boat and the cargo too ; but he 

 remained unmoved. I turned to Anders, and 

 said, " Shall I cut the rope, or shall I go to 

 law with him ? " " It is best," replied Anders 

 with much wisdom, "for you to cut the rope, 

 and let Mm go to law." I contented myself 



