A STRIKING INCIDENT. 251 



but his exertions, simply as exertions, were highly 

 laudable. When he had permitted the boat to fall 

 down into easy water, he had some little command 

 over her, and of this he was right proud. As time 

 was precious, I resumed the command, and put the 

 boat up again with my leister. When we came up to 

 the fisherman, my novice said, with considerable 

 exultation, " Charlie, did you see me cant ? " 



" Hoot, toot, man, you canna cant ava ; she was 

 aye ganging doun," was the uncourteous response. 



Having described our method of managing the boat, 

 I will endeavour to explain the manner in which we 

 strike the salmon. The leister should not be held firm 

 in the grasp, but sent loosely through the hands, as its 

 own weight in falling will be more effective than any 

 force you can give it with a thrust.* You may think 

 otherwise, perhaps. Well, then, take your own way ; 

 hold the weapon firmly and determinedly ; you are 

 going to do great things, you fancy. But what happens ? 

 The water proves deeper than you had calculated upon, 

 and, not touching the bottom with your spear as a 

 support, in you go, your head taking the lead, and the 

 rest of your members following the playful example. 



* The Droit lately contained the following : — "At the moment 

 that an omnibus was passing on Friday through the Rue Mont- 

 martre, under a house, No. 63, that was undergoing repairs, a pole 

 more than thirty feet in length slipped from the scaffolding at the 

 fourth story, and fell perpendicularly on the omnibus, passed right 

 through the body, and entered so deeply between the stones of the 

 pavement that the horses were stopped on the moment, the vehicle 

 being literally nailed to the ground ; by a providential chance none 

 of the passengers were injured ! ! ! " 



