A RIDE TO THE GREAT LOCH. 47 



" Then we might open the windows. A Highland 

 thunderstorm is worth looking at.' 7 



" Yes, yes/ 7 was quickly replied. 



And we threw the windows right open to witness 

 a truly grand sight. The torrents of rain the 

 gloomy, restless-looking clouds from which the 

 pale forked lightning zigzagged among the mountain- 

 tops, while the thunder crashed overhead, and 

 growled and rumbled away in distant echoes through 

 the clefts and corries of the glen ; but tlie storm 

 passed quickly, and, although it continued to rain 

 for some time, there was now light enough to go 

 on with the tackle operations. 



While Ward was overhauling my hook-book, he 

 got hold of an absurd Irish fly, with sea-green body, 

 golden wings, and a tail like a fan. This work of art 

 he handed to me, declaring he should use that one in 

 particular. 



" Bah ! " I said, " you will only frighten the 

 fish." 



" Why, you agreed that these Irish flies often 

 worked wonders." 



" Then try it ; it can do no good, however much 

 harm." 



" You are sententious to-day, Abbott." 



