68 A DAY AT LOUGH MELVIN. 



The Squire looked up, half laughing, half 

 ashamed. " Well, well, I thought we had 

 been wiser," said he ; "but Job never tried 

 his hand at the cross-lines." 



" I tell you what," said the Parson, " if 

 ever I am engaged to be married, I will try 

 a day's cross-line fishing with my intended. 

 If her temper stands that, it will stand any- 

 thing on earth." 



"All right," said the Captain; " and now 

 let us land on Ennis na Shia. I consider 

 that black trout to have been a sacrifice on 

 the altar of friendship ; and I vote that we 

 eat our sacrifice roasted, after the manner of 

 the ancients." 



" And kindle the fires of the altar with 

 that otter," said the Parson, kicking the 

 offending piece of machinery as it lay at the 

 bottom of the boat. 



" 111 be hanged if you do!" said the 

 Squire. " Quarrel who will at cross-lines, 

 I shall never quarrel with my otter. Many 

 a good day's fishing have I had with him, 

 many a heavy basket have I carried home ; 

 and whatever has been done by the rod, I 

 have always found my otter a silent, faithful, 

 useful " 



