TROUT FISHING ON THE ANDROSCOGAN. 31 



slack returned to my hand, minus hooks and leader ! 

 The swivel, where they joined, had been worn out, and 

 with a rueful countenance, I stood the picture of 

 desperation. I doubt if the physiognomy of Marius 

 over the ruins of Carthage could have looked more 

 doleful. On my way home, talking the matter over 

 with my fidus Achates, we agreed upon the verdict of 

 " served me right/ 7 for attempting to immolate so 

 noble a victim in such an ignoble manner, and doubly 

 was I convinced of the time-honoured French adage, 

 " L'homme propose et Dieu dispose/' 



