ix FESTIVAL OF GREEN DRAKE 159 



a trout. We will fetch a compass out into 

 the meadow, coming back to the bank some 

 distance below the rough water. Yes, there 

 is a rise right at the head of it, close to the 

 hurdle. We advance stooping to within 

 casting distance, and the attempt is made on 

 one knee. The fly is taken fearlessly, and 

 in a second we are running down-stream, 

 winding in line as we go, for the fish is 

 hurrying in the same direction, and we 

 must keep below him. But he does not 

 run very far, nor does he fight very long, 

 and soon we have him in the net, a long 

 lean fish of a pound and three-quarters, 

 not in bad condition exactly, but a trout of 

 the Cassio type, which no feeding would 

 ever make plump. One meets with such fish 

 in all rivers at all seasons ; probably they are 

 dyspeptics who eat the things they like 

 rather than the things they should. 



But, lean or no, he makes a brace of trout 

 in the basket, and is welcome. The exer- 

 tion of his capture has made us realise the 

 heat again, for in London we are not used 

 to running. Tea would be no bad celebra- 

 tion of our good fortune, and it will not 

 really be waste of time. A man fishes twice 



