A Fishing Expedition 53 



rod was to get at and enlarge the loop in order that it 

 might be slipped over his tail, since the head was pro- 

 tected by the bough. It is a more delicate operation 

 to pass the wire up from behind ; it has to go farther 

 before the spot that allows a firm grip is reached, and 

 fish are well aware that natural objects such as twigs 

 float down with the current. Anything, therefore, 

 approaching from behind or rubbing upwards is sus- 

 picious. As this fish had just been startled, it would 

 not do to let the wire touch him at all. 



After enlarging the loop I put the rod slowly 

 forth again, worked the wire up stream, slipped the 

 noose over his tail, and gently got it up to the balance 

 of the fish. Waiting a moment to get the elbow over 

 the end of the rod so as to have a good leverage, I 

 gave a sudden jerk upwards, and felt the weight 

 instantly. But the top of the rod struck the over- 

 hanging bough, and there was my fish, hung indeed, 

 but still in the water near the surface. Nor could I 

 throw it on the bank, because of the elder bushes. 

 So I shortened the rod, pulling it in towards me quickly 

 and dragging the jack through the water. The pliant 

 wire had cut into the scales and skin he might have 

 been safely left suspended over the stream all day ; 

 but in the eagerness of the moment I was not satisfied 

 till I had him up on the mound 



