CH. VIII.] NOT QUITE SUCH AN IMPOSTOR. 115 
did Trout lying under “thim bushes” which he 
“knowed” was not under five pounds. Well, I 
set to work, and almost the very first throw I had 
him, raising him in the exact spot which had been 
pointed out to me. The gardener came to my 
assistance with an extraordinary machine used for 
dredging up gravel, or something of the kind (for 
T had not a net with me), and between us we land- 
ed him. No sooner was he on the bank, than my 
friend the Irishman came running up again in a 
state of the greatest delight, dancing round him, 
and exclaiming, “Arragh now! didn’t I tell your 
Honour he was over five pounds?” The steelyard 
however returned him as only three and a quarter, 
but he certainly was one of the most beautiful and 
perfectly fed fish I ever saw. I was so proud of 
him, that I really could not make up my mind 
to give him to the gentleman, who had, through 
his butler, so kindly given me the opportunity of 
catching him, as I doubtless ought to have done; 
and hope that he will, though somewhat late, ac- 
cept my best thanks for his courtesy, and this 
expression of my regret that I was induced to 
treat him so scurvily. 
12 
