288 DAYS STOLEN FOR SPORT 



fortunate, for the landlord would have assigned to 

 us but one, as the fish are plentiful very near home. 

 My chart had shown me that the bay was shallow, 

 so, while I was in no way doubting that fish were 

 numerous, my experience told me they would be 

 lacking much in size. Our host did not like my 

 suggestion that the fish must be small and said : 

 " No ! gentlemen frequently bring home large ones, 

 four and sometimes five pounds in weight." This 

 settled the point and I decided to have two men 

 and a chance to reach grounds where we might 

 hope for heavier fish. 



One of the men was waiting for us next morn- 

 ing to carry what we desired to take with us and 

 to show the way to the boat. He was a sandy- 

 haired, ruddy-faced man, in the prime of life, and a 

 picture of strength as he strode towards us with 

 a Scottish gillie's gait. He appeared very Scottish, 

 yet there was something wanting in the face and 

 something there not to be expected, and I wondered 

 what it was until he spoke, when I knew that 

 Scottish solemn readiness for seriousness was 

 absent and Irish preparedness for mirth much in 

 evidence. This was Mike. 



Now for Anthony, known as Tony, our second 

 boatman. I sometimes fancy that it would be better 

 if I was not so quick to see things out of line, a petti- 

 coat too long, a coat collar high, horses badly paired 

 for work, and other animals not doing well in double 

 harness ; but then there's the fun to balance this 

 which I could not do without ; it is so good to laugh, 

 be it never so quietly. Being thus observant I have 

 often had to say : " Well ! I never," and : " Did you 

 ever ? " and now I have to say I never saw a pair of 



