THE GRANLYN POOL 147 



and when the rise at last comes the response 

 is too late too often. " Did you feel him, sir ? " 

 " No, thank goodness ! " " Then we will try him 

 as we come back " but that first chance is, as 

 I well know, the chance, and I feel angry with 

 myself for missing it. 



Whew! how hot it was, a steaming evening 

 with not a breath of air, and the midges in 

 millions. We tried the fish again coming back, 

 but in vain, nor would the sea-trout in William's 

 Pool look at the fly. What a blessing it was to 

 know that every weary step brought one nearer 

 to the only barrel of beer in the Lledr Valley, 

 and its pleasant gurgle and froth as Mrs. Ellis 

 poured out a glass in the porch reminded one 

 of the foam and amber swirl of the Butterpool 

 close by. 



" Do you know, Mr. Marston, it is a funny 

 thing, but all our friends who come here fishing 

 are ready for a glass of beer when they get back. 

 I suppose it 's the air ! " 



" Ready ! Mrs. Ellis ! Dying would be nearer 

 the mark." 



" No luck ! I am sorry. How did you like the 

 rod? " cheerily chimes in Mr. Ellis, and I tell 

 him that it is perfect, just the thing for this rocky, 

 confined river a light greenheart under fifteen 

 feet, but with plenty of backbone. My host had 

 most kindly placed his stock of rods and tackle 

 at my disposal. 



