THE PIKE FROM THE DITCH. 9 



it x and to judge from outward and visible signs 

 there might not have been a fish in the water. 

 I glanced at my watch. Two o'clock was 

 numbered with the past, and a bare hour and 

 a half remained of daylight ! 



To fish the top of the Ditch would 

 necessitate a slight detour, owing to a copse 

 which extended on my bank to the water's edge, 

 and placing my rod on the ground, I debated 

 whether, in the unfavourable state of Esox's 

 appetite, it was really worth the trouble the 

 extra walk involved, when the pros and cons 

 were cut short by the sudden disappearance of 

 the float and the running out of the line. 

 Hope revived once more. The ensuing struggle 

 was short and spirited, the fish contesting every 

 inch, but with the landing came disillusion, and 

 he was tossed back, for a two and a half 

 pounder should have no place in the pike 

 fisher's bag. 



The slightest of encouragement, and the 

 ardent .angler at once becomes an optimist, 

 even though black disappointment has hitherto 



