The required deposit was paid, and Peace on the following morning brought down to the water’s side a considerable amount of tackle, rods, lines, baits, and all the requisites for an experienced angler.
His manner was so urbane, and he spoke in such a quiet unostentatious manner, that the boat proprietor was quite taken with him, believing him to be a gentleman of independent means, who was a devotee to the sport.
After some conversation as to the best places on the river and other topics, Peace got into the boat and rowed down the stream. Prior to his starting he said that he had to meet some friends, who, like himself, were about to have a few days’ sport on the Trent. He was, as a matter of course, accepted as a profitable customer.
The day was fine and bright, and the water was as clear as crystal, and Peace, as he drifted down the river, was well satisfied with the proceedings thus far. He moored his boat on the river’s bank and threw in his line. He remained at what he deemed a likely spot, and pulled out three or four fish.
Peace has been described in the newspapers “as a little insignificant man with grey hair,” but at this time his hair was raven black—made so by artificial means—and to all appearances he was a professional man; he might be a doctor or else a clergyman—it would be difficult to say which.
Certainly no one would have taken him for a mechanic; neither did his appearance or manner suggest that he belonged to the working class. He could assume an air of gentility when it answered his purpose to do so. As we have already indicated he was a man of what might be termed a Protean character.
The few chance wayfarers who observed him in his boat were doubtless under the impression that he was a gentleman of independent means. This was precisely what he wished to appear.
After angling for some time he went further down the river, making apparently for a more favourable spot.
After spending some considerable time at his well-beloved sport, he made for a neighbouring house, where he had his midday meal. Here he met with some brother sportsmen, who joined him for the remaining portion of the day, and when night came on he put up at the house by the river side, where he had a bed.
By early morn he again betook himself to his boat, and drifted further down the river, until he arrived in sight of the silk manufactory upon which he proposed operating.