FISHING GOSSIP. 107 



entering my coracle, I was soon afloat and 

 making the best of my way downwards. In 

 half an hour I came in sight of a little village, 

 and entering the nearest cabaret, got some in- 

 different brandy, which I was glad of, for not- 

 withstanding my exertions, I was wet, cold, 

 and shivering. 



" Holloa, my boy," exclaimed a voice just as 

 I was going out. " Holloa, old fellow, just 

 come in time." It was a friend of mine, Captain 

 H., who lived some little distance off. "Just 

 come in the nick of time a jolly wedding ; the 

 whole country are going to have a dance out- 

 side ; you must remain to see it, and have a 

 turn ; but what the deuce is the matter ? you 

 are as pale as a ghost." 



" I shall be better presently/' I replied. "Here, 

 bourgeoise, encore un petit verre" 



Swallowing it, I felt a little warmer, and 

 getting close to the fire, for I could not shake 

 off the strange feeling, had another pull at my 

 pipe. 



Presently my friend returned informing me 

 all was in readiness, and they were just going to 

 begin. 



