TRANQUILLITY 171 



When he had done with the cow, however, I put the 

 rod once more into his hands, and reminded him of 

 the fish. 



' Now throw a few yards above the spot where 

 you see the water boiling around that large blue 

 stone. Very well ; advance a step every time you 

 throw. Capital ! Now you are precisely at the fish. 

 Strike him gently if he rises. Well done ! by Paul 

 Potter you have him ! Hold up the top of your rod, 

 and keep an even steady pull upon him/' 



' How can I keep a steady pull upon such a wild 

 animal ? Why he springs out of the water, and 

 whizzes about in it, like that fire- work called a 

 serpent." 



' Be steady be steady, or he will whiz you about 

 with a witness. Shorten your line ; get into the 

 water, and follow him/' 



' What a cruel speech ! Why I never learned to 

 swim. You are exceedingly inconsiderate indeed, 

 sir/' 



" Swim ! why the water on this channel is scarcely 

 over your ankles, and I will help you if you should 

 happen to stumble." 



' Then we should both meet a watery grave to- 

 gether. I have often read of such calamities." 



' In with you in with you, I say, or he will be 

 off. There, I told you so ; he has broke your line ; 

 and, pray pardon me, but pretty work you have 

 made of it with your tranquillity." 



' Well, as it seems to make you so uneasy, I will 

 go a little way into the water, though I shall not 

 enjoy it," 



