'May be; but you did not think of that when you jumped in; and no more must I in thanking you. God knows how a poor miner's son will ever reward you; but the mouse repaid the lion, says the story, and, at all events, I can pray for you. By the bye, gentlemen, I hope you have brought up some trolling-tackle?'
'We came up to see you, and not to fish,' said Lancelot, charmed with the stately courtesy of the man.
'Many thanks, gentlemen; but old Harry Verney was in here just now, and had seen a great jack strike, at the tail of the lower reeds. With this fresh wind he will run till noon; and you are sure of him with a dace. After that, he will not be up again on the shallows till sunset. He works the works of darkness, and comes not to the light, because his deeds are evil.'
Lancelot laughed. 'He does but follow his kind, poor fellow.'
'No doubt, sir, no doubt; all the Lord's works are good but it is a wonder why He should have made wasps, now, and blights, and vermin, and jack, and such evil-featured things, that carry spite and cruelty in their very faces—a great wonder. Do you think, sir, all those creatures were in the garden of Eden?'
'You are getting too deep for me,' said Lancelot. 'But why trouble your head about fishing?'
'I beg your pardon for preaching to you, sir.
