e ain't over much use for a
rod,"--if he knew of any one in want of a really good fishing-rod. It
was none of your ordinary ones, made out of green wood with pewter
joints, but a regular first-class article, and would do for trout or
perch or jack, or any mortal fish you could think of. Cripps had seen
it, and flattered himself he knew something about rods, but had never
seen one to beat this. Reel and all, too, and a book of flies into the
bargain, if he liked. He had been strongly tempted to get it for
himself--it seemed a downright sin to let such a beauty go--and would
have it if he had not already got a rod, but of a far inferior sort, of
his own. And he believed his friend would part with it cheap.

"I tell you what, young gentleman," said he, "I'll bring it up with me
next time I come, and you shall have a look at it. Of course, you can
take it or not, as you like, but if my advice is worth anything--well,
never mind, I suppose you are sure to be up stream in the course of the
next week or so."

"Oh, yes," said Loman, who in the presence of this universal genius was
quite deferential; "when can you bring it?"

"Well, my time ain't so very valuable, and I'd like to oblige you over
this little affair. Suppose we say to-day week. I'll have the rod
here, and you can try him."

"Thank you--have you--that is--about what--"

"You mean, about what figure will he want for it? Well, I don't know
exactly. They run so very various, do good rods. You could get what
they call a rod for ten bob, I dare say. But _you_ wouldn't hardly
fancy that style of thing."

"Oh no; if it was a really good one," said Loman, "I wouldn't mind
giving a good price. I don't want a rotten one."

"That's just it. This one I'm telling you of is as sound as a bell, and
as strong as iron. And _you_ know, as well as I do, these things are
always all the better after a little use. My friend has only used this
twice. But I'll find out about the price, and drop you a line, you
know. May be 2 pounds or 3 pounds, or so."

"I suppose that's about what a really good rod ought to cost?" said
Loman, who liked to appear to know what was what, but secretly rather
taken aback by this estimate.

"So it is. It's just a guess of mine though; but I know for _me_ he'll
put it as low as he can."

"I'm sure I shall be very much obliged to you," said Loman, "if you can
manage it for me."

"Not at all, young gentleman. I always like to obl