15 



Oliver. Thank you for your toast, and its 

 introduction, Mr. Bell. I knew not that 

 the owner of Felton Hall, within whose 

 ground I have so often fished, " tracked 

 his parent stream" to so noble a source. 

 Who has not heard of Widdrington, " that 

 gallant squire ?" 



" For Wetharynton my harte was wo, 



That ever he slayne shulde be ; 

 For when both his leggis were hewyne in to, 



Yet he kneled and fought on his kne." 



Bell. One might suppose that you had 

 been born in Coquetdale, you are so ready 

 with the " Hyntynge of the Chy viot." But 

 I should like now to hear a little of your 

 fishing. I suspect that you have returned 

 with an empty creel, or we should have 

 heard something of your exploits before 

 this ; for anglers are not accustomed to be 

 silent on their success. I should like to see 

 your take a couple of thorney-backs, perch 

 par courtesie ; half a dozen minnows, and an 

 eel ; but not a single trout, except the dozen 



