2i4 AN ANGLER'S HOURS xn 



these rumours should be published as facts 

 in this way." 



The lady, he explained, had been herself 

 misled, and apparently by some experienced 

 angler who was with her. The name of 

 that angler he intended to ascertain, and 

 his tone implied dire consequences to the 

 person in question. The One in Authority 

 does not like having his time wasted over 

 trifles. 



When I got home I found a note from 

 Amaryllis saying that doubts had been cast 

 on the authenticity of her fish, and com- 

 manding me instantly to write letters to all 

 the papers giving my word as an angler that 

 it was a salmon. Even Aunt Elizabeth was 

 doubtful about it. 



Lastly, this morning I find a paragraph 

 in the Hourly Alarm headed, " Thames 

 Salmon : Cruel Hoax on a Lady," and 

 filled with caustic observations about a 

 certain gentleman who is responsible for the 

 whole mistake, and who is in plain words 

 invited to explain his conduct. So I am just 

 throwing a few clothes into a portmanteau, 

 and am leaving town for an indefinite 

 period. Letters will not be forwarded. 



