First of all, there was a muster of every empty tin match-box in the little house; these were to hold the bait-bits of mutton and worms.

Then I was desired to hunt up all the odds and ends of worsted which lurked in the scrap-basket.

A forage next took place in search of string, but as no parcels were ever delivered in that sequestered valley, twine became a precious and rare treasure.

In default of any large supply being obtainable, my lamp and candle-wick material was requisitioned by F---- (who, by the way, is a perfect Uhlan for getting what he wants, when bent on a sporting expedition); and lastly, one or two empty flour-sacks were called for.

You will see the use of this heterogeneous collection presently.
It was of no use starting until the twilight had darkened into a cloudy, moonless night; so, after our seven o'clock supper, we adjourned into the verandah to watch F---- make a large round ball, such as children play with, out of the scraps of worsted with which I had furnished him.
Instead of cutting the wool into lengths, however, it was left in loops; and I learned that this is done to afford a firm hold for the sharp needle-like teeth of an inquisitive eel, who might be tempted to find out if this strange round thing, floating near his hole, would be good to eat.