26 FLY-FISHING IN MAINE LAKES. 



blackboard, and, hoisting it upon their shoulders, 

 disappear through a labyrinth of trees and under- 

 brush, while we stand wondering where they are to 

 find boats and water. But we have faith, and show 

 it by our works, as we pick up some of the lighter 

 parcels, and follow. 



" Don't stumble, Frank ! look out there ! Don't 

 you see you have the package marked ' Glass, with 

 care'?" 



" I know it, sir ! and I'll take good care I don't 

 drop it : I allers look out sharp for them packages 

 contents good for wet soles, ain't they, sir? " 



"Yes, and dry uppers." 



"Well, sir, here's the boat, she's all right: the 

 lady had better stay by that smudge till we get her 

 stowed the boat, I mean." 



We see the boat, and believe in that, also in our 

 guides ; and our faith, though slightly wavering as 

 we gaze down the narrow, dirty stream not ten feet 

 wide, still holds out. Charlie will insist upon my 

 unloading my revolver, which I had carefully laid 

 in the stern sheets for the benefit of some erratic 

 loon ; which done, and the madam called and com- 

 fortably seated on the softest blanket, we push off 

 with kind good-bys and good wishes from Uncle 

 John. 



We thread for a moment or two the narrow wind- 



