THE UPPER RAPIDS. 137 



Armed with this, the Squire, cautiously, 

 and on hands and knees, approached the 

 spot. There lay the monster, quiet and 

 motionless as before, little thinking of the 

 numerous spectators of his slumbers, who, 

 one by one, just raised their heads above the 

 bank. Carefully was the long rod protruded, 

 till the wire touched the water a foot or two 

 before the fish's nose, so as accurately to as- 

 certain the distance. The slightest error in 

 that particular, the slightest touch of the 

 wire, would have ensured the loss of the fish. 

 Slowly, and almost imperceptibly, did the 

 fatal noose approach the sleeping monster, 

 who lay still unconscious of his danger ; now 

 his sharp shovelled snout was seen through 

 it — now it had glided on as far as his eye — 

 an inch more, and a quick, sharp twitch, 

 followed by a furious plunge, fixed it firmly 

 under his gills. The rod never stood a 

 chance. The top broke short off like a car- 

 rot, at the very first struggle ; but the water- 

 cord stood well ; and before the pike was 

 well awake, or could comprehend precisely 

 what was the matter with him, he was lash- 

 ing and floundering on the bank. 



"Well done, boys!" said the Squire, in 



