42 THE SONG OF THE REEL. 



our steps across the bridge and approach the fish from the other 

 bank. No sooner had I thus determined than a small fly, with 

 wings erect, floated down the stream and was instantly sucked 

 under by the lordly trout. 



" There ! " cried the milkmaid, her eyes sparkling with delight. 

 " He is rising now ! " 



In a favourable position on the opposite side I knelt upon one 

 knee, drew out the necessary length of line and cast my fly upon 

 the pool below which I knew the monster to be poised. The fly 

 alighted gently and sailed unheeded along the surface of the water. 

 " Oh ! " exclaimed the disappointed maiden. " Won't he 

 take it ? " 



" I don't think he will," I replied, again casting into the same 

 spot. 



But he did take it this time. The rod bent double, and the 

 reel "whirred," the fish dashing forward at full speed. Then, 

 after his headlong rush, he turned and came back again into the 

 pool. But soon he was away again, making, now, for a sunken 

 root, and, had he succeeded in his effort, most surely would he have 

 bidden me farewell. Miraculously, however, I saved the situation ; 

 and, with a terrific swirl, the fish bore across the stream out of the 

 zone of danger. Fast and furiously the struggle continued. Too 

 intently engrossed was I to observe precisely the antics of my 

 bewitching guide ; but I have a vague recollection of hearing hurled 

 at me words of mingled instruction and praise. 



In time the fish weakened, and at last I drew him towards me, 

 his glistening sides flashing in the sunlight. 



" You've got him ! you've got him ! " shouted the hilarious 

 milkmaid, dancing up and down upon the bank, clapping her hands 

 and otherwise expressing her great joy at my good luck. 



" Isn't he big ? " she said, when I lifted the fish from the net 

 and took my artificial fly from his lip. " How much do you think 

 he'll weigh ? " 



" Three and a half pounds ! I should think he'll be quite 

 that, " I replied, holding up the trout that we might examine him 

 the better. 



