Page:Ballantyne--The Battery and the Boiler.djvu/109

 splendid. Salmon and cod are found swarming in the rivers by those who care for mild occupation, while really exciting sport is to be had in the great lakes of the interior, where there are plenty of fresh-water whales that take the fly."

"The swan, you mean," said another comrade. "The fly that is most killing among Newfoundland whales is a swan fastened whole to a shark hook—though a small boat's anchor will do if you haven't the right tackle."

"Come, don't talk nonsense, but let's have a song," said a brother electrician to the sporting-youth.

"I never sing," he replied, "except when hurt, and then I sing out. But see, our best musician has just seated himself at the instrument."

"Don't talk shop, Nimrod; call it the piano." Most of those present drew towards the musical corner, where Ebenezer Smith, having just entered the saloon in search of Robin, had been prevailed on to sit down and enliven the company. Robin, who had been delayed by difficulty in finding the notebook, stopped to listen.

Smith had a fair average voice and a vigorous manner.

"You wouldn't object to hear the cook's last?" asked Smith, running his fingers lightly over the keys.