194 the souter's retreat. 



writing. You have been trouting, it seems, pray what 

 sort of a fly do you use ? " 



" Whiles I use a wee ane, and whiles a muckle 

 flie, ane for rough and deep water, and the ither for 

 shallow streams. " That is the way to trout, both in 

 loch and river." 



" True ! I see you have some bonny little flies in 

 your hat ; take it off" carefully, Purdie — you understand 

 me, — and let me admire them." 



Charlie advances, and taking off the man's hat with 

 great care so as to keep the crown undermost, he pulls 

 out from the inside six well tied salmon flies of the 

 most approved colours, which he transferred to his own 

 pocket. I actually saw " Meg with the muckle mouth " 

 amongst them. 



" Aye, ye are as welcome to the flees as ye are to the 

 sawmont, and I am proud to do ye a good turn at ony 

 gait." 



" Well now, bear in mind, that I will never permit 

 you to throw a fly wee or muckle in the Pavilion water 

 again ; and if you darken the shores with your presence 

 a second time, I will have you up at Melrose." 



" I'm thinking I shall tak' your advice, for ye seem 

 a sensible chiel. Will ye accept of a pinch of snuff? " 



" Good morning, good morning, get thence to Sel- 

 kirk as quick as ye can, we know ye well for a souter of 

 that town. Run, run, the bogle is after you ! " 



" Run, aye that will I, and the deil tak' the hind- 

 most," said he, and off he went at his best pace; 

 leaving this blessing and the salmon to solace us. 



Perhaps I shall best give a general idea of what was 



