Both pushed through a gap in the hedge, and discovered Gifford lying in the grass by the stone bench.
"Hello!" said the rector.

"Working up a case, young man ?" Perhaps Gifford was not altogether displeased to be interrupted; the song we might have sung is always sweetest.

At all events, he very good-naturedly put his note-book back in his pocket, and rolling over on his stomach, his elbows crushing down the soft grass and his fists under his chin, began to talk to the two elder men.
"Had good luck ?" The rector shook his head ruefully.

"Denner has two trout.

Fate was against me.