CHAPTER XIII 



BIBLE history fails to relate that the late Mr. Ananias 

 was an angler ; but we may presume that such was the 

 case, and that his infantile efforts to pervert the truth led to 

 his being quoted as a shocking example of the unregenerate 

 liar. If such were indeed the case, we knights of gut and 

 hook have good reason to deplore a precedent which has 

 caused us one and all to be labelled (7 maintain libelled] as 

 irreclaimable manipulators of the harmless and sometimes 

 necessary terminological inexactitude. 



As for Sapphira, she would, of course, have been acquitted 

 by any modern jury, on the grounds that she was under the 

 malign influence and coercion of her superior moiety. 



But it is certain that these tarradiddles often lead to a situa- 

 tion which may prove most embarrassing to the backslider. 

 One such a " Yank " be it said had been wielding the 

 " fish-pole " (a term by which his compatriots degrade and 

 insult the split-cane, steel-centred fishing-rod, of superfine 

 quality and efficiency. He was awaiting a connection with 

 the Grand Trunk, at an inconspicuous wayside station, and 

 having deposited his angling outfit by his side, was smoking 

 the pipe of peace, when enter to him a stranger, who politely 

 raised his hat ; when the following dialogue took place : 



Stranger (genially). " How'dy Bud ! I figure you've bin 

 fishin'. Had a lucky streak ? " 



Angler (removing his pipe from his lips and blowing azure 

 rings of smoke into the ambient air). " I should smile ! 

 Just back from way down yonder, at the great Omaha lake. 

 In four days, Boss, I laid on to four hundred and ninety-nine 

 striped bass." 



Stranger. " Why not say five hundred whilst you're about 

 it, kiddo ? " 



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