Everyone had his theory of the 'ol' settler'.

Most agreed he was a very heavy trout.

Tip Taylor used to say that in his opinion ''twas nuthin' more'n a plain, overgrown, common sucker,' but Tip came from the Sucker Brook country where suckers lived in colder water and were more entitled to respect.
Mose Tupper had never had his hook in the 'ol' settler' and would believe none of the many stories of adventure at Deep Hole that had thrilled the township.
'Thet fish hes made s' many liars 'round here ye dimno who t' b'lieve,' he had said at the corners one day, after Uncle Eb had told his story of the big fish.

'Somebody 't knows how t' fish hed oughter go 'n ketch him fer the good o' the town--thet's what I think.' Now Mr Tupper was an excellent man but his incredulity was always too bluntly put.

It had even led to some ill feeling.
He came in at our place one evening with a big hook and line from 'down east'-- the kind of tackle used in salt water.
'What ye goin' t' dew with it ?' Uncle Eb enquired.
'Ketch thet fish ye talk 5' much about--goin' t' put him out o' the way.' ''Tain't fair,' said Uncle Eb, 'its reedic'lous.