The peace of Herring Quay was disturbed on Thursday night when Constable Wilfred Truncheon, pursuing his customary rounds, came upon Silas Fenn, the eel-catcher, in a posture that has given rise to considerable comment throughout the town. It was past the hour when honest men are abroad, and the constable, whose lantern has a habit of finding what others would hide, discovered Fenn at the moorings of Mr. Josiah Brant's vessel, a net-knife in his hand.
Fenn, when challenged, declared that he was 'seeing to his eel lines,' a profession which the constable received with the patient scepticism that his office demands. The matter has been noted, and it is understood that Mr. Brant has been apprised of the occurrence. Whether the eel lines in question run through another man's ropes is a question the town will answer for itself.
The affair comes at an awkward season for Fenn, who is known to be in debt to Mr. Cornelius Wick for tackle purchased on credit, and whose name has lately been whispered in connection with the mysterious lights seen on the fens. The Courant does not presume to judge a man before his account is given, but it may observe that a net-knife at a rival's moorings is a poor substitute for an honest explanation.
Constable Truncheon, for his part, has resumed his rounds with the quiet satisfaction of a man who has done his duty. The matter, we are assured, will be watched.