Close behind me stood the tall figure of a man, dressed in raiment of quaint and singular fashion, but of goodly materials.

He was in the prime and vigour of manhood; his features handsome and noble, but full of calmness and benevolence; at least I thought so, though they were somewhat shaded by a hat of finest beaver, with broad drooping eaves.
"Surely that is a very cruel diversion in which thou indulgest, my young friend ?" he continued.
"I am sorry for it, if it be, sir," said I, rising; "but I do not think it cruel to fish." "What are thy reasons for not thinking so ?" "Fishing is mentioned frequently in Scripture.

Simon Peter was a fisherman." "True; and Andrew and his brother.

But thou forgettest: they did not follow fishing as a diversion, as I fear thou doest .-- Thou readest the Scriptures ?" "Sometimes." "Sometimes ?--not daily ?--that is to be regretted.

What profession dost thou make ?--I mean to what religious denomination dost thou belong, my young friend ?" "Church." "It is a very good profession--there is much of Scripture contained in its liturgy.