158 MELTON AND HOMESPUN 



was unable to cope against cane and steel and tested gut, 

 and at length, thoroughly spent, he allowed himself to 

 be drawn over the landing-net. Two pounds and as 

 many ounces did that game trout weigh, and a more 

 beautifully proportioned or more brilliantly marked fish 

 I never hope to grass again. 



A few more unsuccessful casts over the pool in which 

 I rose the last fish, and I retraced my footsteps to the 

 willow, where I found B. awaiting my advent. 



On comparing notes I discovered that my friend's 

 creel contained two and a half brace more trout than did 

 my own. Nevertheless, my two-pounder proved the 

 show fish of the morning. 



