scoundrelly tackle-merchants, there can be but one or two natural kinds of insects on the river's surface. Thus, scholar, it is in the neighbourhood of four thousand to one that when the fly comes (and it is a plaguy long time a-coming) you must take off this lure and put up another.
Ven: Well, sir, I have a goodly store. See how many sorts are in this pretty box of mine, each in its separate compartment. Is there not a brave show here?
Pisc: A brave show, I warrant you. Oh, my poor scholar! How many hath the villain sold you? One, two—twelve! Trust me, scholar, no honest fisherman needs more than three.
Ven: Then have I been tricked most vilely. Tell me, sir, what are these three patterns of which you speak?
Pisc: The olive quill, light and dark, and the Piscator's Fancy, so called because your unworthy master devised it. See, it is a little similar to the Wickham, but with this essential difference: the silk is turned around the hook to the right instead of to the left. With these three flies I will catch trouts at any time, I'll hold you two to one, nor will I ask for any other pattern.
Ven: See, master, there is a great trout.
Pisc: Where? Where?
