64 FLY-FISHING IN MAINE LAKES. 



we dashed down at the rate of seventy miles an 

 hour ; breathing was out of the question, and think- 

 ing almost. But once started, nothing was to be 

 done, but, Davy Crockett like, ' go ahead ; ' and go 

 ahead we did till, in a much less time than I have 

 been describing it, we were far out upon the ic*y 

 surface of the St. Lawrence." 



" And you didn't try it again, I imagine." 



" Not much. It was dangerous sport. As one 

 of the party said, ' I wouldn't mind sliding down 

 the roof of a house, but from the eaves to the 

 ground excuse me.' " 



"So you think that was the most dangerous 

 incident of your life? " 



" So far as I am able to be the judge, I most cer- 

 tainly do ; for the slightest break or mismanagement 

 on the part of the. guide would have certainly cost 

 a limb, most likely a life." 



"Well, from my recollection of the picture, I 

 should class such an undertaking ' extra hazard- 

 ous.' " 



" Positively, I never have looked at that picture 

 since, without a shudder, and a wonder that I 

 should have done what so few attempt." 



"Really, old fellow, I didn't think my abrupt 

 remark would have drawn out so long a story." 



" No : I suppose, if you had, you scarce would 

 have made it ? " 



