AND HOW I HAVE CAUGHT MY FISH 67 



the problem out how best to get it, and, to be sure 

 of my success, it's every man's child's respect I'll 

 strive for." 



I have already said that it was to Mr. Boyle 

 I was indebted for the boat we used. On returning 

 it each night we had sent a few specimens of our 

 takes to its owner, and, no doubt, the carrier had 

 told great tales of our success and the tackle we 

 used. Hence his desire to be with us. 



On the day previous to the one of which I am 

 writing I had lost a bait, and, as it was of a new 

 pattern and the only one of the kind that I had, 

 I told Boyle of my misfortune. With a confident 

 smile he reassured me, saying, " You'll soon have 

 it back, Mr. Geen. I have only to let my boys 

 know you have lost something, and they'll find it, 

 whatever it is, if it's on land." His prophecy came 

 true, for on the Monday, while I was fishing in the 

 river, a little well-fed, smiling, shoeless Pat brought 

 the bait back to me. 



Prior to our coming, sea-fishing with rods was a 

 thing unknown, and the cleverest pollack fisher, the 

 schoolmaster, got his hauls with thick cord hand- 

 lines, aided by keen study of the fish's haunts and 

 the most favourable state of the tide for each spot. 

 Since then he has made a rod to our pattern. He 

 has a fine line, and leads and wire that will last him 

 many a year. 



Kirk got the preference in the lending of a rod 

 to our guest, with the plea that he needed a few 



F 2 



