IN DIVERS WATERS. 37 



my handkerchief to my face and neck than in 

 fishing, when I became aware that someone was 

 shouting, and, moreover, shouting lustily. 



A hasty look around revealed my com- 

 panion standing up, making frantic signs to 

 me with one hand as with the other he en- 

 deavoured to control the movements of a rod 

 that was arching beautifully. Snatching up the 

 landing-net I made towards the spot, yelling 

 breathless instructions, that I might have 

 known could never reach him, as I ran. 



Hot and panting, the perspiration streaming 

 down my face, I arrived to find the elusive 

 one hooked at last and in full play; 

 but it was evident that he was not going to givje 

 in tamely, and the reel sang out again and 

 again as the line went forth in sudden jerks. 

 But the net was waiting, and in due season my 

 companion had the gratification of seeing his 

 first pike on the steelyard, and the weight he 

 saw registered there was Very little short of 

 5 lb. 



We caught no more; but what matter, for 



