“Try a cast yonder, just beside that overhanging willow. Don't splash! Try again—drop it lightly. That's better. Don't tell me you've never cast a fly before.”

“Never in my life.”

“Let it float down a bit. Now back. Hold it up and let it dance there. I'll just have a pipe.”

But next moment Cameron's pipe was forgotten. With a shout he sprang to his wife's side.

“By Jove, you've got him!”

“No! No! Leave me alone! Just tell me what to do. Go away! Don't touch me! Oh-h-h! He's gone!”

“Not a bit. Reel him up—reel him up a little.”

“Oh, I can't reel the thing! Oh! Oh-h-h! Is he gone?”

“Hold up. Don't haul him too quickly—keep him playing. Wait till I get the net.” He rushed for the landing net.

“Oh, he's gone! He's gone! Oh, I'm so mad!” She stamped savagely on the grass. “He was a monster.”