Repairs. 303 



NOVICE. It seems a little stiffer, and lighter in the 

 hand than before. 



ANGLER. Both necessarily follow from shortening the 

 rod, which of course cannot be avoided in making a 

 splice. But I notice a ring is missing from your rod. 

 Bring it to me this evening at the farm-house where I 

 am lodging and I will replace it. 



NOVICE. I am a thousand times obliged to you for 

 your kindness. 



ANGLER. Not at'all. Only remember never to go fish- 

 ing again without silk, wax, a knife, and a file ; for with 

 these you can repair on the spot most of the accidents 

 to which an angler is liable, while without them you will 

 be helplessly crippled. Good-day, and good-luck. 



TIME, evening ; same parties. 



NOVICE. Good-evening. You see I have brought my 

 rod as you suggested. 



ANGLER. You have done well. What luck did you 

 have after we parted this morning ? 



NOVICE. Oh, not so bad. But it is not essential to 

 my enjoyment of stream fishing that I take a trout every 

 five minutes. The cool fragrant air, the music of the 

 running water, and the beauties of the trees and flowers 

 which shade and grace the stream these, together with 

 the constant endeavor to improve my cast, and the sense 

 that my efforts were not in vain, made the day one con- 

 stant pleasure, though I caught but few fish and those 

 not large. 



ANGLER. You have the true angler's spirit, and this 

 makes it a double pleasure to assist and instruct you. 



NOVICE. While you are finishing your cigar, and be- 



