282 DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 



We approached close to several huge beasts that 

 were sunning themselves on slabs that sloped to the 

 level of the sea, from which they flopped and dived 

 in the most leisurely manner. Some of them were 

 very curious as to our doings and popped up so 

 near us as to be able to see the fish upon the gaff, 

 and probably they saw them from underneath upon 

 our lines, but they did not steal nor spoil our sport, 

 so we were pleased to watch them watching us. 

 Harry had some excitement from their proximity as 

 he really thought when something seized his bait 

 and rushed round the corner of a rock to where the 

 eye could not follow the line's course that our 

 experience at Keem Bay was to be repeated. It 

 was no seal, however, but an ugly black jack 

 pollack, weighing eighteen pounds, and yet not 

 nearly as heavy as it was ugly. 



Reader, have you fished for pollack round rocks 

 like these, miles from the mainland, where little fish 

 are kept at bay by larger ones that greedily take 

 what is offered? Had you a tell-tale rod that 

 rejoiced in its work and was your line as fine as 

 you dared to have it ? Was your companion one of 

 those most wished for and your pilot an Irishman 

 with pride of ownership in every fish you caught ? 

 Was it a lovely Autumn day like the one I write of? 

 If you can say " Yes " to this you will agree with me 

 that such a day of joy is hard to equal and should 

 be remembered with a thankful heart. 



The fish we caught round these islands were lost 

 count of, as was the passing of our time until the 

 sun went down and gave thoughts of the journey 

 back. The glories of that Autumn evening, com- 

 ing to finish with splendour a perfect day spent in 



