AND HOW I HAVE CAUGHT MY FISH 53 



in our triumphant progress. No mishaps, no 

 breakings, until the boat was too full of fish for 

 cleanly comfort, and we had to return to Teelin 

 Pier. A small crowd had gathered at the landing- 

 place in consequence of reports spread by the 

 watchful coastguards that " the strangers who were 

 fishing with rods " were returning with a boat nearly 

 full of fish. 



Pollack do not stand low in the scale of edible 

 fish. It is, to my mind, infinitely to be preferred to 

 the indigestible cod, and if you will, during your 

 day's fishing, select as many as may be needed for 

 the hotel from amongst the four to six-pounders 

 (the heavier are rather coarser eating), and have 

 them gutted as soon as caught, and, when well 

 cleaned, tied by the tail to the side of the boat 

 and allowed to drip dry, you will not only be 

 pleased with the result, but you will probably 

 be the recipient of congratulations from the other 

 guests. 



Pollack thus cleaned won for me the affection of 

 an Irish maid named Bridget. She showed her 

 affection in innumerable little ways, that added 

 much to my comfort during my long stay, and 

 much to my respect for her. Later on, in proper 

 place, I will introduce you to Bridget, when you, 

 too, must perforce admire her excellent qualities 

 which, I have reason to believe, are somewhat due 

 to the help of the excellent training that she 

 received while with Mrs. Walker, our present 



