A DAY UP THE RIVER. 105 



fish entrenches himself whenever the slightest 

 remissness on the part of the captor, or the 

 slightest slackening of the line, affords him 

 an opportunity ; and not unfrequently will he 

 throw himself down the very fall, — an act 

 which, though it may be met by great 

 quickness on the part of a fisherman, and 

 turned to his advantage, generally does bring 

 the tackle across the edge of the rock, and 

 finishes the drama by cutting the line. 



Suddenly there was a stir among the fair 

 people. Men began to look up from their 

 work, the hammering ceased, the plunging 

 of the crowbars was heard no more, — there 

 was a lull in the talking, and the battle of 

 the marine ladies came to a premature close. 

 Then came a rush to the wicket-^ate of 

 Rose Isle, and a crowding across its narrow 

 bridge ; carts were left half unloaded, newly- 

 erected stalls were overturned ; a sort of 

 stampedo took place among the picketed 

 horses, frightened as they were by the run- 

 ning and shouting of the people, — one or two 

 of them broke away, totally disregarded by 

 their masters, and added to the confusion by 

 galloping down the street. 



H By George ! he has got a fish after all," 



