A NOVICE AT THE GAFF. 299 



somewhat controlled. At moderate pace he retraced his 

 steps, and almost had got to where I struck him, when, 

 putting a little more strain on than he admired, round he 

 wheeled, and with his previous velocity pointed his head 

 again for the sea. Still, the struggle had its effect; this 

 dash was not equal to previous ones, and fifty yards of line 

 brought him up. For ten minutes it was give and take, 

 back and forward, up and down, till at last I brought him, 

 all resplendent in his silvery armor, into shoal water. " Now, 

 Crosby, now's your chance. Careful, man ; don't be in too 

 big a hurry." But my advice was disregarded ; the sailor 

 made a plunge at the fish with the gaff as if it had been a 

 harpoon, scratched the salmon's side, and all my work was 

 again before me. The drawing of blood instilled new vital- 

 ity into the fish's veins, and the previously vanquished foe 

 was running out line as if he had been fresh struck. I 

 could not be angry; when a novice I had done likewise, 

 and no doubt my attendant had just made his virgin ef- 

 fort. In fact, I could not help being amused at his as- 

 tonished countenance, for doubtless he had already counted 

 the fish as safe. This last struggle did not continue long ; 

 again I got him in shoal water, when, having cautioned and 

 instructed my excited attendant as far as words could avail, 

 he made a second effort, and that correctly. Twelve pounds 

 was the weight of this noble salmon, and often have I found 

 that those of this size are more game and afford a harder 

 fight than larger fish. The strain on your rod is not so se- 

 vere or the contest so long as with a heavier antagonist, but 

 the activity and energy displayed are greater. 



Having overhauled my tackle, and lighted a weed as re- 

 ward for my prowess, I again ascended to the top of the 

 pool and commenced afresh visions of the first fish I rose, 

 which I felt convinced was a formidable one, inducing me to 

 this course. My leader had now got straightened from the 



