138 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



salmon ? Hold tight, my youngster, here he comes, 

 twelve good pounds I warrant him. 



Otter. The fish I have hold of is still heavier, arid 

 flags a degree or two in the main, but I shall have 

 some work yet ere he is thoroughly tired out. His 

 paces are more measured and sober, and he seems not 

 a little non-plussed how to proceed. The curbing of 

 a prime salmon like this is pleasureable to our nerves. 

 Hike his runs and rangings his zealous pushes after 

 escape and liberty his strong facing of the rapids, 

 and his plunge brave and systematic. Help him to 

 a touch of thy gaff-hook, Jack, and, mind thou, keep 

 clear of the line, and do the job cleverly, as thou 

 art wont. Good ! he is mastered ; lay him along- 

 side of the other, and let us test the twain, while the 

 pool is under process of recovery. The flounder- 

 ing of these fish must have scared their neighbours ; 

 but no, they are still at play, and, if tempted cun- 

 ningly, will shew face to us anon. The salt-water 

 louse is still on the pate of this fellow ; he has but 

 lately left the sea, and is in beautiful trim for the 

 table. Shall we pack him off to the inn, Jack, and 

 have him cooked for our dinner? 



Leister. Nay, Tom, I love to be graced with my 

 spoils, and were you to rob me of their presence, 

 'tis ten to one but I should lose all power and incli- 

 nation to take another cast. Allow them to remain, 

 I shall angle the more vigorously when they are by 

 me. What is this? no other than a lively fresh-run 

 sea-trout. 



