SPIRIT OF THE CHASE 17 



True, this genius may sometimes present an odd 

 embodiment. On the Dee I was the guest of a boy 

 whose father was tenant of a fine stretch. Early in 

 the morning we were met at the riverside by a tall 

 and shaggy gamekeeper ; taciturn, business-like ; not 

 ill-natured to look at, but certainly not so cheerful 

 as many a gillie is; resentful, I have no doubt, at 

 having to attend on youngsters. When he saw 

 my rod, that with which I had been successful on 

 the Eden, his frown deepened into irritated contempt. 

 I had come to think my rod, which was of green- 

 heart and thirteen feet long, sufficient for all 

 occasions. If it could manage a salmon in one 

 part of the country, what had I to fear in any other ? 

 Thus I had proudly reasoned, if at all, in setting 

 out for Banchory. My satisfaction, it seemed, was 

 foolish. Not speaking a word, the gamekeeper 

 held out a hand for the rod, and, with a wave of the 

 other, called my snubbed consideration to the grassy 

 bank behind him. There lay two rods, salmon 

 rods, with huge reels, lines run through the rings, 

 and enormous flies ready to be used. I had never 

 before fired a salmon fly in earnest; but with that 

 majestic Highlandman looking on, still silent, and 

 not complimentary in spirit, this was no time to 

 seem confused or hesitant. Calmly, therefore, with 

 aplomb, I stooped towards one of the rods. It was 

 much less easy to lift than I could have supposed ; 

 but with an effort, while the gillie's back was turned 

 towards me, soon I had it erect. Holding it against 

 my right shoulder, I stepped over the pebbles, 



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