r44 ARDENMOHR. 



for a long walk. The Major remained at home, as 

 he had an O.H.M.S. to answer, and hie asked Fred 

 if he would go with us, or stay and fish the burn ; 

 and Fred stayed in preference to what he considered 

 purposeless exercise. 



" Won't you come, Fred ? " said Ward. 



" Flattered by your kindness," replied Fred. 

 " Nature has favoured you with long legs, and me 

 with a wise head : let each improve his gifts." 



Hope and I set off by nearly the same line as 

 our first walk ; but, on getting high up hill, we 

 turned north for a mile or so, and then scrambled 

 up to the sky-line, enjoyed the grand sea view, 

 continued northwards down towards the lower hills, 

 and came suddenly upon the small loch which 

 Archie said held such fine trout. 



Once close to the water we regretted having no 

 fishing-tackle, as there was a fine curl on the loch, 

 which was deep to the edge in some parts. 



This fair lake is as great a contrast as possible 

 from the dismal pools in the snipe hollow ; and, with 

 its margin of sedge, white sand, and mossy stones, 

 is as charming a little alpine aquarium as one 

 could fancy ; and while sitting on a tuft of heather, 

 looking at the tiny wavelets curling on its blue 



