134 AN ANGLER'S BASKET. 



collection of maggots on the floor of the barn immediately 

 under the ducks and with every appearance of having just 

 dropped therefrom. " What a pity," said the other con- 

 spirator to the farmer, " to see two fine ducks like these get 

 into such a dreadful state," and as he said it he stroked them 

 gently down, and dropped another tablespoonful of maggots 

 as he did so which he had concealed in the palm of his 

 hand. " Why, bless me," said the unsuspicious owner of 

 the ducks, opening his eyes to their widest stretch ; " they 

 were only killed late last night, and what a state they are in !" 

 The contemplative anglers opined they were not fit to eat, 

 and the farmer agreed with them. The fishermen offered 

 him a shilling for them " for the feathers for flies,' 1 and at 

 that figure business was transacted. In due time both the 

 birds and the anglers were stuffed with sage and onions, and 

 I have the words of both reprobates that the birds were 

 fresh and delicious. Unluckily for their peace of mind, 

 however, during the repast one of them thoughtlessly quoted 

 from Old Isaac, " this dish of meat is too good for any but 

 anglers or" (it was obliged to come) "or very honest 

 men." Then remorse, gaunt and grim, followed in the trail 

 of villainy, and conscience stricken they sent the farmer 

 that night a postal order for five shillings. 



" Good-evening, Brown," said Mr. Black, as he walked 

 into a fishmonger's shop with his fishing tackle in his hand 

 and his basket on his back. " I want you to give me some 

 fish to take home with me, and place them carefully on 

 some green leaves in my basket, and make them look as if 

 they had been caught to-day, will you ?" " Certainly, sir," 

 said the fishmonger, " how many will you have ?" " Well, 

 you had better give me three or four pounds make it look 

 a decent catch without overdoing it you know. I prefer 

 salmon trout if you have them." " Yes, sir," said the fish- 



