AN INNOCENT MISTAKE 169 



' Well now I declare, sir, that is very singular ; 

 because I certainly caught two trout, and put them 

 into my creel. But I dare say you are a little absent, 

 and did not notice them ; I am somewhat absent 

 myself occasionally/' 



He examined the basket, and found only gloves 

 by themselves gloves. 



' Where can I have put them ? ' 

 ' Indeed I can't guess, sir." 



He then began to shuffle about and examine his 

 waistcoat pockets and those of his pantaloons, nay, 

 actually his fob. 



" Perhaps, sir, you did not find quite room enough 

 in your fob, and put them into your coat pocket for 

 fear they should soil the basket." 



" Bless me ! so I did ; and here they are, .truly. 

 I see now how it is ; in a hurry, and whilst I was 

 wrapt in admiration of the scenery, I put the gloves 

 where the fish should have been, and vice versa 

 nothing could be more natural." 



This he said with a simplicity worthy of the 

 golden age. But he declared that although he was 

 not at that moment very intent on the sport, he did 

 like fishing exceedingly. "Because," said he, "it 

 requires no parade of attendance, like other field 

 sports ; it leads to the most beautiful spots ; and I 

 take up my rod and my painting box at any hour I 

 please, and saunter over the flowery meads, in a 

 state of tranquil enjoyment, amidst all the most 

 pleasing images of rural life." 



I observed there was considerable excitement in 

 fishing occasionally, as well as tranquillity. " For 



