ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 53 



atmosphere. Hold ! he is too strong yet, and may 

 escape. 



Leister. I have my fingers round his body, like 

 so many lassoes, and a plump handful he is. But 

 it is now dark enough for my beetle fly; and there 

 are three tempting holes not far off, where I intend 

 to dip it. One of them is quite palace-ground for 

 a kingly fish ! There is a sort of still eddy in it, 

 and, on the near side, a gathering of white froth, 

 stretching to the bank itself. Under this lies a man's 

 depth and more of water, at the bottom of which are 

 several old trunks and tree-roots, full of fissures and 

 hiding-places. I have frequently seen the lips of a 

 goodly fly-sucker kissing the surface thereabout, 

 and hope to tempt him towards me ere long. The 

 hero is on the feed at this moment you may 

 notice his air-bell scattered up and down. I have 

 hold of him, Tom! egad, I have. He is a noble 

 fish, and would run a cable. 



Otter. Bravo ! Jack, be sparing of your line not- 

 withstanding. These dead roots, should they catch, 

 will play the mischief witn it. He makes for them 

 to a certainty. Shew him the strength of your 

 tackle ; you may do so without dread of its giving 

 way. Now he turns, and takes a cruise towards 

 the opposite bank. Humour him, and allow the 

 reel to move more readily ; again, work your wind- 

 lass, and haul in. 



Leister. He is scarcely exhausted, and still keeps 

 on the poise ; but I have the upper hand of him 



