'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. I'm sure I forgot
myself. If you will let me, I'll get up and get you a couple of
bait from the stew. You'll do us keepers a kindness, and prevent
sin, sir, if you'll catch him. The squire will swear sadly--the
Lord forgive him--if he hears of a pike in the trout-runs. I'll get
up, if I may trouble you to go into the next room a minute.'

'Lie still, for Heaven's sake. Why bother your head about pike
now?'

'It is my business, sir, and I am paid for it, and I must do it
thoroughly;--and abide in the calling wherein I am called,' he
added, in a sadder tone.

'You seem to be fond enough of it, and to know enough about it, at
all events,' said the colonel, 'tying flies here on a sick-bed.'

'As for being fond of it, sir--those creatures of the water teach a
man many lessons; and when I tie flies, I earn books.'