214 Salmon Fishing. 



another moment's loss of time. The report, I 

 knew, would soon bring one, or more unwelcome 

 visitors, and when I bounded from the fence 

 into the road, I felt as though a ton of care 

 had been cast from my breast. 



No sooner had I loaded my gun, and began 

 walking leisurely away, than round the nearest 

 corner, whom should we see heave in sight, but 

 a thick-set, red-faced, determined-looking fellow 

 rushing up to us, as though he were bent upon 

 swallowing us whole then and there. Though 

 strong of limb in those days, and resolute, I saw 

 at a glance, that had there been a struggle 

 between him and me, I should very soon have 

 come off second-best. But well knowing I was 

 on the safe side of the hedge, and in the 

 presence of my plucky attendant, I could afford 

 to look and talk as one innocent of all offence. 



" By heavens," blustered out our new visitor, 

 as soon as he could recover his breath, " you're 

 the very customers I wanted to catch; and 

 depend on't you shall smart for this ; that you 



