40 FLY-FISHING IN MAINE LAKES. 



at last "threw up the sponge." My skilful guide 

 succeeded in netting them both : they weighed 

 very nearly a pound and a half each, and were 

 splendid fish. 



As I read this to one who, " as a looker-on in 

 Venice," had shared the sport: "True, to the 

 life," said she. "And to the death?" I ques- 

 tioned. " And to the death. I remember that pair 

 distinctly, and lively ones they were." Three times 

 that morning did I repeat that catch, and the six 

 trout did not differ in weight more than a quarter 

 of a pound. Charlie was equally successful in 

 point of numbers, but did not have quite so good 

 luck on his " pairs." We cast about the dam until 

 nearly eleven, when, as is the usual custom, we 

 repaired to the camp to enjoy our lunch. This 

 usually consists of crackers and cheese, an olive or 

 two, moistened with a little dram of " suthin' " nice, 

 all of which comprise a part of the stores which the 

 fisherman should bring with him. 



" Well, old Stevens," said Charlie, " this is pretty 

 good sport. Smashed your tip, didn't you ? " 



" Should say so." 



"Bad?" 



"Not very." 



"Show me the pieces." I brought them in ; and 

 Charlie got out his tool-chest, and went to work 



