28 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



inwardly made up my mind, let the results be what they 

 would, that I would force the giant to declare himself. 

 Gradually raising the point of my rod, inch by inch, 

 with a steady motion, to my astonishment I brought 

 him to the surface, giving me a good view of his 

 massive form. The chub was across his mouth, as a 

 spaniel would carry a stick, and devil a hook had 

 touched him ! Worse than all, it was apparent, from 

 the constant strain, that my hold of the impromptu 

 bait was nearly at an end. Being humbugged and 

 victimised is at all times disagreeable, and as the laugh 

 was decidedly against me, with a sharp jerk, I dis- 

 engaged my flies, anathematising the brute which had 

 caused me so much trouble, and sincerely hoping his 

 breakfast would disagree with him. With a flourish 

 of the tail, my tormentor bid me good morning, and I 

 returned to the shore in far from an enviable frame of 

 mind. On my way to the shanty for my morning 

 meal, I scarcely spoke a word, no doubt moralising on 

 the uncertainty of all worldly affairs ; but just as I 

 was entering the domicile, with feelings of dire revenge, 

 I told my attendant not to say a single word on the 

 subject, for that I had a plan in my head by which I 

 trusted to wipe off all old scores. With vindictive 

 feeling I munched my food in silence, avenging myself 

 on the finny tribe by the quantity of fish I put under 



