A steeple-crowned, broad-brimmed hat, from beneath which hung an abundance of slightly-curling silvery hair, completed the figure at which Mark Eden gazed, unseen; for the old man was intent upon his fishing, and just then he struck, and after a little playing, drew in and unhooked a finely-spotted trout, which he was about to transfer to his basket, when he was checked by a greeting from the back.
"Morning, Master Rayburn.

That's a fine one." "Ah, Mark, boy, how are you ?" said the old man, smiling.

"Yes: I've got his brother in the basket, and I want two more.

Better come and help me to eat them." "Can't to-day .-- Quite well ?" "Yes, thank God, boy.

Well for an old man.