esponse, and gradually
increased it to one hundred. It is not difficult to learn to cast; but
it is difficult to learn not to snap off the flies at every throw. Of
this, however, we will not speak. I continued casting for some moments,
until I became satisfied that there had been a miscalculation.
Either the trout were too green to know what I was at, or they were
dissatisfied with my offers. I reeled in, and changed the flies (that
is, the fly that was not snapped off). After studying the color of the
sky, of the water, and of the foliage, and the moderated light of the
afternoon, I put on a series of beguilers, all of a subdued brilliancy,
in harmony with the approach of evening. At the second cast, which was
a short one, I saw a splash where the leader fell, and gave an excited
jerk. The next instant I perceived the game, and did not need the
unfeigned "dam" of Luke to convince me that I had snatched his felt hat
from his head and deposited it among the lilies. Discouraged by this, we
whirled about, and paddled over to the inlet, where a little ripple was
visible in the tinted light. At the very first cast I saw that the hour
had come. Three trout leaped into the air. The danger of this manoeuvre
all fishermen understand. It is one of the commonest in the woods: three
heavy trout taking hold at once, rushing in different directions, smash
the tackle into flinders. I evaded this catch, and threw again. I recall
the moment. A hermit thrush, on the tip of a balsam, uttered his long,
liquid, evening note. Happening to look over my shoulder, I saw the
peak of Marcy gleam rosy in the sky (I can't help it that Marcy is fifty
miles off, and cannot be seen from this region: these incidental touches
are always used). The hundred feet of silk swished through the air, and
the tail-fly fell as lightly on the water as a three-cent piece (which
no slamming will give the weight of a ten) drops upon the contribution
plate. Instantly there was a rush, a swirl. I struck, and "Got him,
by---!" Never mind what Luke said I got him by. "Out on a fly!"
continued that irreverent guide; but I told him to back water, and make
for the center of the lake. The trout, as soon as he felt the prick of
the hook, was off like a shot, and took out the whole of the line with
a rapidity that made it smoke. "Give him the butt!" shouted Luke. It
is the usual remark in such an emergency. I gave him the butt; and,
recognizing the fact and my spirit, the trout