I, pondering for a moment, thought,

When he a fresh inducement brought

Which drowned my frail excuse.

"And afterwards I'll take you out

Where you may catch as fine a trout

As ever bit at hook."

And, truly, I sharp hunger felt,

And as three miles from where I dwelt

I was, I gladly took

Him at his word, and pleased him quite

By thus accepting his invite.

He seized my hand and twice it shook,

And thanking me with cordial look,[Pg 9]

[Pg 9]

He smiling said, "For you I feel

A friendship, sir, I'll not conceal.

You cause my fancies back to fly

To youth's bright days, when fearless I,

Like you, would dash through passes where

A slip had sent me past all care;

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