148 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



malefactored him. Were he not vile in his nature 

 and dangerous, I had as lief let him free. As 'twas, 

 he got but a semi-torturing. But start you or stay ? 

 In truth, I myself have no relish for further down- 

 sitting, seeing 'tis at such peril as these ambushed 

 adders cause to one's breech. Nay ! to speak truth, 

 I have an inkling after merry sport in this loch you 

 talk of, and though inclined to be sluggish, shall 

 nevertheless shake myself, out of courtesy, into an 

 active humour. 



Exeunt. 



HERON LOCH. 



May. The little waves are riding forth by hosts. 

 I like well the water's aspect. See you, there be 

 some fellows on the feed at the distance of three 

 rods. Let us lay our lines over them. 'Gad! 

 what a vault this copper-fin took ; but the barb is 

 in his tongue, and he may whistle a death-dirge. 

 By Jove ! 'tis a very cayman in vigour ! he runs 

 line like a salmon, and 



Swivel Is off, Bill. 



May. Ay, Doctor, sped and away ! gone by the 

 spirit of mischief! My courage is down ten degrees 

 at a start. 



Swivel. Faith ! 'tis true ; what a melancholy atti- 

 tude you are in ! Cheer up, Bill ; one would imagine 

 you were become bankrupt, and had a surcoat out 

 at the elbows in fact, that you meditated self- 



