ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 153 



the tongue, so that, without any very great exertion, 

 it was impossible for them to escape, my tackle 

 being strong and in good order. 



May. How, think you, they weigh? 



Swivel. Two stone at the least, not an ounce 

 under. They are no bagatelle you will allow, and 

 pain my shoulders considerably the strap of my 

 pannier being somewhat narrow. I will relieve my- 

 self for a space, and lay out my spoils on the heather. 



May. What a swasher has this been ! gaunt and 

 big in the bone, a contrast rare to that sleek-sided 

 monk of a fish you threw just down, which more 

 resembles one of those caught in this loch, save that 

 it hath twice its dimensions, and is of darker hue 

 about the belly ; altogether, you have wrought an 

 achievement, which will cause Leister to rub his 

 eyes out of suspicion that they are sadly bewitched. 

 Faith ! but I shall forth myself, an it please you to 

 guide me, and make second mischief among the 

 knaves. 



Swivel. Nay, Bill, riot in such haste; 'tis a dead 

 calm on the water surface. Moreover, methinks I 

 have mastered all such as were within reach of my 

 fly and in rising humour. Delay till to-morrow, 

 and may you speed well ! 



May. I shall task myself to do so, seeing your 

 counsel hath reason in't. Do you not marvel, 

 Doctor, at the heronry on yonder islet ? What a 

 singular aspect it presents ! Not a leaf is there on 

 the whole cluster of trees, where are cradled the 



