Dr. Bentley rubbed his eyes.
"Bless me, these are a fine imitation of brook trout as I recall them," he murmured.
"What did you mean by saying that trout were an extinct fish?" asked Laura.
"They're extinct for all but the wealthy," replied the physician. "Brook trout, in these days, generally cost all of a dollar and a half a pound, and I've heard of as high as two dollars a pound being paid for them."
"There are plenty hereabouts, just now," Dick replied. "But we may take them all out of the water before we move from here."
"Of course," nodded Laura's father. "That's what trout are for.
They won't do anyone any good as long as they remain in the water."
"Let's hurry back, please," urged Dick. "I am anxious to see your luncheon under way."
"Yes," teased Belle, "the sooner you have satisfied our appetites the sooner you may expect to see us gone and be able to enjoy yourselves and your comfortable solitude once more."
"Now, just for saying that, Belle," uttered Dick reproachfully, "I'm going to consider the revenge of burning two of your trout in the pan."
"Mercy!" cried Belle Meade. "Are you going to cook the trout?"