REMINISCENT TALES 



the line, and the fly to the leader. The 

 whale and the fly were coupled, so he held 

 his peace. 



Somehow that mammoth aquatic animal 

 had shrunk to an alarming degree by the 

 time he was landed, for when weighed he 

 was a scant two pounds. Perhaps violent 

 exercise had reduced his weight. He seemed 

 to be in prime condition though out of 

 breath and somewhat annoyed that the 

 hook was firmly embedded in his tail. 



Exhausted, the Humble Angler rested on 

 the sands while golden sunlight and the 

 whisper of waters brought tranquillity. He 

 was at a loss to understand why McCarthy 

 and the guide were so greatly amused and 

 why they persisted in slapping him on the 

 back just when he was beginning to breathe 

 normally again. He willingly admitted that 

 catching a salmon through the tail could 

 hardly be looked upon as perfectly good 

 form but insisted that this leaper had been 

 honestly brought to the kill. 



The tail's tale has been told and in the 

 memorabilia of piscatorial experiences it has 

 been accorded rightful recognition. 



20 



