Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1901-01-04
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
DISCIPLES OF IKE. ;
BY II. w. MATTHEWS
Seooeooee ezooe3oeeeeoaaoeae

cover fall back to its place Holding
her rod out over the stream she
graSped the branch of an overhanging
tree and swung herself around into
little open space where the sun
| light managed to sift through the thick
foliage. Before her lay pool, deep and
silent, formed by several large rocks
which nearly blocked the stream. On
every side We're c!oSegrowing trees,
and the woods to right and left were
softly carpcted with moss and fern.
She stood irresolutc, letting her eyes
drift from her basket to the tempting
pool, where, under the deep rock
shadows she imagined many a willy
| trout. waiting for that very worm or
fly which she might care to offer; and,
as she gaZed, she saw an insect drop
for moment toward the surface.
There was a rush, a CLINT of golden
scales, and then splash, as the trout
caught his prey and retired to his hole.
As the rippies died away, she saw him
for moment before he disappeared.
She Strengthened herself and cut a
long and plant twig from a willow
close by. For the better preparation
OF this improved addition to her bas-
ket she seated herself on broad, fiat
rock, which was within the shadow of
a group of hemlocks, and from which
she could see the brock as it leaped
and tumbled onward and downward.
Apparently there was no way of fol
lowing it, none, at least. but by con-
slant crossing and recrossing, and
sometimes taking to the water itself.
Not that she minded that-it had been
the only way up above, where the
trees grew, even thicker and the banks
were steep beds of moss.
AS she sat there thoughtfullv gaZ-
Ing at the pool, her sharp blade bar
Ing the white and shining wood, she
heard the noise of breaking branches
downstream. Silence followed. then
the cracking again. She showed no
signs of fear but raised her head to
eaten further sound. The branches
parted above her, so that for n mo-
ment the sun fell upon her head and
shoulders, Illuminating the soft felt
hat of gray, half-tipped one side,
though whether from choice or the
brush of bough one could hardly saw.
She did not resume her work again.
but SaZed toward a bend below. all
eagerness and attention, prepared for
whatever might appear. The waiting
was not long. The first thing she saw
was the tip of a rod appearing above
the bend. She breathed easier. An
angler need not be feared The head
and shoulders of man followed. At
frst she colud not see his face. for he
was intent on finding n means of pro-
gress' and his wet leggings showed
that he had found some difficulty al
ready.
AS he slowly advanced she gained
some idea of what he might be like.
and then, as he reached the lower end
of the pool above which she sat, he
raised his head and gazed forward,
caught his breath, and stopped short,
as he saw her sitting there radiant
among the dark boughs. Recovered
from her first surprise, she allowed
herself to inspect him for a moment.
And then a smile lowered about her
lips. 1t seemed so absurd, and she
looked again to make sure For she
found that his clothes, barring the
one everlasting difference, were al
most the counterpart of her own. The
same soft gray hat, shirt of finest
texture, white like her waist; bit
oil blue tie ut the throat; his sleeves
rolled above the elbows, as were her
own. Gray were his kncllerbockers.
ana brown the lcggins, high above his
knees, protection from rock, brush, and
stream. All this she took in at n
glance. and then her eyes fell to her
short gray skirt. and again that faint
smile frightened her face. and she
knew that he must know why she
smiled. She looked up. He had DOTTED
his hat and stood where the light made
gold of his hair.
Il beg PARDON" he said, without
hesitation, II fear that l have spoiled
your snort below. l did not know
that this was n private brook"
1T is posted, but not by us. | had
permission from Mr.. Butler last year.
But | have spoiled your sport above;
my basket is already full"
| AS mine. | never had such luck
as IN the last 10 minutes. They have
been coming downstream, but never
too fast to stop for tempting worm"
You use worms, then?"
Yes; why not? One can't cast in n
little shaded brook like this. l find [
can get ten fish on a worm to two on
a fly. 1t may not be true sport. but |
like it; and the fish. If not large are all
the more plentiful"
81 have large one here in the pool
a two-pounder, feel sure. Would you
land him for me, if | succeed?"
Yes, Of course; let me bait your
hook"
Il think you had best stay as you
are. He will dart downstream. and il