170 THE SOUTH BAY. 



and if people swear inwardly it is greatly to be 

 feared the unfortunate deacon will have to report 

 hereafter one of the commandments broken on that 

 occasion. 



" Come," he said, " we will go home ; another 

 time perhaps I can have a little luck. I used to 

 think there was something like skill in fishing, but 

 there does not appear to be in catching these misera- 

 ble little fish." 



" Why, my last one must have weighed two 

 pounds." 



"Two pounds! 'Not an ounce over one. I have 

 had enough for this day, and the sun is remarkably 

 hot." 



" Oh, I cannot go just yet ; here comes another, 

 nearly as large as the last." 



" I insist upon it," Mr. Goodlow continued, having 

 reeled up his line and taken apart his rod. " I will 

 not stay longer, my horse must be fed, and it is 

 late." 



" When a person conies out fishing," replied Dea- 

 con Hartley, growing irritated, " it is a poor way to 

 be wanting to go home because another catches the 

 fish, especially as I am perfectly willing to divide 

 equally." 



" What do you think I care for those puny little 

 fish? You may keep them all, in welcome." 



" I supjjose I may if I wish ; they are mine be- 

 cause I have caught them, or nearly all; but I will 

 give you half if you will cease grumbling at what 

 you call your luck." 



