32 FISHING IN EDEN 



We therefore went to him to run over the scales, 

 and his kitchen proved to be the most attractive 

 place I had ever been in. There were cases of 

 stuffed birds and animals on the walls : a shot gun 

 hung to the big ceiling-beam, and by the side of the 

 mantelpiece an old yeomanry sword. 



" Bob " had a way with him entirely attractive to 

 lads, and was full of dry country humour. His face 

 was typically north country, clean-shaven, with blue 

 eyes and high cheek-bones. When he was intent on 

 his work his face was full of repose, like the surface 

 of a still lake. Every now and then it used to break 

 out into ripples, as if stirred by some light breeze. 

 There was never any appearance of storm on that 

 fine face. " Bob " lived through his days at peace 

 with all men. All passers-by looked his way, and the 

 cheery, musical, far-carrying voice would ring out a 

 Christian name and pass the time of day as is the 

 custom amongst people who know one another well. 

 With a few lads around him his cup of happiness 

 seemed to be full. He was to us the " kindliest 

 creature and tenderest teacher " in all Edendale. 



It was our custom to gather round his kitchen 

 fire on winter evenings, when the wild helm blew 

 across the snow-clad Pennines, and watch him tie 

 his flies, and make up his casts for the coming 

 season. 



