"Oh no, I don't," said the Major, as he threw his fly again. "I have not studied your face since you were a baby, Diny, for nothing. Do you know, my dear," he continued, as his child stood with her lips pressed so firmly together that they formed a thin white line, "I really think that fish have more gumption than we give them credit for. They really do get to be educated and know when they are being fished for." "Well, what wonder that they should refuse to take a tiny patch of hair and feathers hiding a hook?" "But it's a lovely black gnat I am trying, my dear. I couldn't tell it in the water from the real; and there: look at that," he cried, in a tone full of vexation, as a big trout suddenly sucked down an unfortunate fly floating close by the Major's cunningly made lure. "I knew that fellow was there, and I hereby register a vow that I mean to have him wrapped in buttered writing-paper and grilled for my breakfast before I have done. What a--ah! that's a good throw, right above him. That ought to tempt any natural fish. Got him!--Be ready with the net," he cried. "Not yet," as there was a wallow, a boil in the water, a splash, and an ejaculation as the Major's rod, which had bent nearly double, became straight again. "Lost him, papa?" "Lost him! Of course. My usual luck. Lightly hooked in the lip.-- Eh?--No. A badly-tempered hook snapped short off. I wish the scoundrel who made it--Dinah, my dear, would you mind walking just out of hearing. There are a few good old trooper's oaths just suitable to this occasion, and I should like to let them off." Dinah did not stir, but a sad smile crossed her features, and she stood waiting while her father selected a fresh fly, straightened the gut, and began to fasten it to the collar of his line. "Such a pity! Just as I had hooked him too. I wonder whether he will try again. I was going to say what a deal of trouble one does take, and what an amount of time one does waste in fishing. And so you think that I need not take you up to town?" "Oh, no, no," cried Dinah quickly. "I am quite well." "Ahem!" "Well, nearly well again, dear. Don't fidget about me, pray." "Oh, no. You are of no consequence whatever, not the slightest; and I am to take no interest in you of any kind. Ah! you are a strange girl, Di, but you make my life bearable, only it seems brutally selfish to keep you down here in this wilderness." "You know I am very happy here." "No, I do not," said the Major, whipping the stream rather viciously. "You have looked miserable for a month past." "No, no, dear, you exaggerate," said Dinah, with a smile that was piteous. "There! I am going to be as cheerful as can be now, and you shall hear me singing about the place again."