e plunged. Our success was greater with the finny,
than was that of any exquisite with the fair tribe. We captivated and
captured pailfuls. We drove our entertainers into the narrow creeks in
shoals, and then with a net extended between us, we had the happiness of
introducing them into the upper air. The sport was so good, that we
were induced to continue it for some hours; but whilst we were preparing
for a multitudinous fry, the sun was actually all the while enjoying a
most extensive broil. Our backs, and mine especially, became one
continuous blister. Whilst in the water, and in the pursuit, I did not
regard it--indeed, we were able to carry home the trophies of our
success--and then--I hastened to bed. My back was fairly peeled and
repeeled. I performed involuntarily Mr Saint John's curative process
to a miracle. No wonder that I've been ever since free from all, even
the slightest symptoms of pulmonary indisposition. However, my
excruciating torments gained me two things--experience, and a new skin.

When I had fresh skinned myself--and it took me more than a week to do
it--I found that my fellow-labourer had flown. I heard that he had
suffered almost as severely as myself, but, as he looked upon himself as
no vulgar hero, he was too manly to complain, and next Sunday he
actually went to church, whilst I lay in bed smarting with pain--yet I
strongly suspect that a new sword, that he had that day to hang by his
side, made him regardless to the misery of his back.

That Sunday fortnight I dined with Mr ---, and, of course, he did me
the honour to converse upon our fishing exploit, and its painful
consequences.

"So, Master Rattlin," said the worthy gentleman, "you think that you and
Frank proved yourselves excellent sportsmen?"

"Yes, sir," said I; "I will answer for the sports, if you will only be
pleased to answer for the men."

"Well said, my little man!" said Mrs --- to me, smiling kindly.

"You see, sir, with all submission, I've gained the verdict of the lady;
and that's a great deal."

"But I think you lost your hide. Was your back very sore?" said my
host, encouragingly.

"O dear--very sore indeed, sir! Mrs Cherfeuil said that it looked
quite like a newly-cut steak."

"O it did, did it? but Frank's was not much better," said the senator,
turning to his lady.

"Indeed it was not," said she, compassionately.

"Very well," said Mr ---, very quietly, "I'll tell you this, Master
Rattlin