makes fools laugh."

"Yes, sir! that's quite true, for we were laughing at what you've
caught!"

"Umph! I tell you what, my lads, if I knew your master, I'd pull you up,
and have you well dressed."

"Tell that to the fishes," replied the elder, "when you do get a bite!"

"You saucy jackanapes! how dare you speak to me in this manner?"

"Pray, sir, are you lord of the manor? I'm sure you spoke to us first,"
said the younger.

"More than that," continued his companion. "We are above speaking to
you, for you are beneath us!"

The old gentleman, rather nettled at the glibness of the lads, stuck a
hook vengefully into an inoffensive worm, and threw his line.

The boys still retained their post, and after many whispered remarks and
tittering, the younger thrust his handkerchief into his mouth to smother
a burst of irrepressible laughter, while the other, assuming a modest and
penitent air, said:

"I beg your pardon, sir."

"What?" demanded the old gentleman sharply.