46 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



his very heart, glory in the fact that he was forced 

 to be one of themselves. Forced he was, indeed ! 

 To select, willingly, the outcast bread of an excise- 

 man, is to abandon for ever all principle, all feeling, 

 and all hopes of redemption to come ! 



Swivel. This is a tirade, Jack a right impetuous 

 volley of words ! But see these worthies are charg- 

 ing down upon our comrades ; we must ford the 

 stream and unite forces. 



Exeunt. 



Another Part of the River. 



Enter LEISTER, OTTER, MAY-FLY, fyc. fyc.; also POACHERS. 



Gaff. They love not our appearance, methinks, 

 and will move off after all. 



May. I trust not. Let us force the shy humour 

 out of them should they flinch. Are they not more 

 in number than we are, abler-bodied and stronger- 

 sinewed, having fists like rough iron cased in harness- 

 leather? Why then not encounter us ? Ha! they 

 advance like men and heroes ! How now ? What 

 need ye, my honest fellows, that ye beat up our 

 intrenchments so unceremoniously ? Are ye on a 

 pilgrimage, and want food? Are ye traffickers, 

 and have wares to dispose of? Foot-pads haply? 

 Nay, look not so wisely ignorant, so lost-like. 



