38 FISHING EXTRAORDINARY 



liberal ideas, or naturally of independent spirits, it 

 matters not now to examine ; it may suffice to state, that, 

 as boys, we were disposed to entertain very liberal views, 

 and to consider game and the finny tribe d^sferce natures, 

 and the legitimate property of the captor ; in conformity 

 with these opinions, having traps and nets, sub rosct, to 

 ensnare both game and fish. Within half an hour, 

 therefore, of leaving her ladyship's presence, we were 

 up to our necks in a back stream, which we knew to 

 be tenanted by some fine trout. Our modus operandi 

 was to place one net with a deep bag at the lower extremity 

 of the water we intended drawing, and with a lighter 

 one we commenced dragging down to it, poking under 

 the banks as we proceeded, with a long pole, and muddying 

 the water as much as possible. The experiment resulted 

 in a grand haul of some two dozen splendid trout, besides 

 smaller fry, which being thrown back into the stream, 

 we set off immediately with our captives, and having 

 delivered them into the hands of our friend the butler, 

 with directions to inform her ladyship, retired to our 

 rooms to change our wet garments and dress for dinner. 

 Our highly esteemed magister artium — for, irrespective 

 of his knowledge in classics and mathematics, his talents 

 were multifarious — being one of the numerous dinner- 

 party this evening, lifted up his eyes in astonishment 

 on beholding the splendid dish of trout placed on the 

 table, casting an inquiring glance at Lady Burdett, 

 which was returned by a rather mischievous smile, the 

 meaning of which he at once comprehended, and the 

 query, " Shall I send you some of our Kennet trout, 

 Mr. Meyrick, which were caught this afternoon ? " 



** After my failure this morning,'' he answered, " I 

 scarcely think myself entitled to accept your ladyship's 



