368 THE MOOR AND THE LOCH. 



trusty follower Sandy, each armed with a gaff, were on oppo- 

 site banks of the river, and seconded the fisher in leading 

 down the salmon. As soon as he appeared within fifty yards 

 of the lower ford, I called out, " Now, Sandy, leave the water ; 

 run for your life, and catch him at the shallow." It was an 

 exciting moment when Sandy with his " clip " held low, his 

 mouth firmly shut, and his keen eye fixed on the babbling 

 current, the very picture of concentrated energy, sternly 

 watched his prey. 



Down and down steered the fish to the very jaws of his 

 enemy ; but, seeing the danger, he made a last languid spurt, 

 and then permitted himself to be again guided to the fatal 

 gaff. The stroke was given with cool determination, when, 

 splashing through the water, and bent nearly double, Sandy 

 dragged his prize to the shore, throwing his whole weight on 

 the top of it. 



