46 Salmon Fishing. 



parts of the steward's crustiness, not by big 

 words, but by the opposite tack of a little soft 

 solder. When we got fairly launched into con- 

 versation, I felt sure I should gain my end ; and 

 there was no doubt at all about it, as soon as he 

 discovered that I was going to the Ness to fish, 

 at the invitation of a gentleman with whom he 

 said he had once lived as a helper in the stables. 



Instead of lying on the hard, cold floor of the 

 cabin, I was installed forthwith in what I con- 

 sidered the best berth in it, viz., the one nearest 

 the door, so that I could command ad libitum 

 what ventilation I liked, when I felt in need of a 

 fresh influx of oxygen. 



For a long while I heard overhead a vast deal 

 of talking, and here and there what sounded very 

 like an outbreak of oaths, and angry exclama- 

 tions, the too frequent resort, I fear, of excited 

 seamen, when their tempers are ruffled. By 

 degrees I dropped off into the welcome arms ot 

 Morpheus, and did not stir till the sun lit up the 

 cabin with the full blaze of its matutinal beams. 



