Go, lad; you have worked so steadily that you have well earned more than an hour's holiday should you want it." Walter crossed the bridge, and seeking out four or five of his old companions, begged them to bring their bows and clubs and rejoin him at the stairs by London Bridge.

To their laughing inquiries whether he meant to go a-shooting of fish, he told them to ask no questions until they joined him.

As soon as work was over the boys gathered at the steps, where Walter had already engaged a boat.

There were some mocking inquiries from the watermen standing about as to where they were going shooting.

Walter answered with some light chaff, and, two of the party taking oars, they started up the river.
"Now I will tell you what we are bent on," Walter said.