THE PIKE FROM THE DITCH. 11 



difference to everything. Of what good was it 

 to remain, I would pack up and what was 

 that? From behind, a splash, so loud and 

 startling as to rouse me effectually out of my 

 moody reverie. I turned to see the cause, 

 fully expecting from the noise to find that a 

 dog had plunged in for a swim, but only the 

 disturbed water with its ever widening ripples, 

 met my enquiring glance. Here, at last, was 

 my opportunity, for there was no doubt that the 

 sudden commotion had been caused by the dash 

 of a hungry fish after its prey. Anxious eager- 

 ness succeeded indifference as I baited anew 

 with a lively little dace and cast into the centre 

 of the ripples which, even now, had hot sub- 

 sided. I waited and watched while the bait 

 worked its way to my bank. It came in un- 

 touched. Again I made a cast, and again the 

 bait returned. 



Even an angler's patience his its limit, 

 and, wholly dispirited, I began preparations 

 for departure. Then, what impulse it was that 

 prompted me to try a few feet further down 



