The salmon looked at him full in the face , and then went on without minding him , with a swish or two of his tail which made the stream boil again . And in a few minutes came another , and then four or five , and so on ; and all passed Tom , rushing and plunging up the cataract with strong strokes of their silver tails , now and then leaping clean out of water and up over a rock , shining gloriously for a moment in the bright sun ; while Tom was so delighted that he could have watched them all day long . And at last one came up bigger than all the rest ; but he came slowly , and stopped , and looked back , and seemed very anxious and busy . And Tom saw that he was helping another salmon , an especially handsome one , who had not a single spot upon it , but was clothed in pure silver from nose to tail . `` My dear , '' said the great fish to his companion , `` you really look dreadfully tired , and you must not over-exert yourself at first . Do rest yourself behind this rock ; '' and he shoved her gently with his nose , to the rock where Tom sat . You must know that this was the salmon 's wife . For salmon , like other true gentlemen , always choose their lady , and love her , and are true to her , and take care of her and work for her , and fight for her , as every true gentleman ought ; and are not like vulgar chub and roach and pike , who have no high feelings , and take no care of their wives . Then he saw Tom , and looked at him very fiercely one moment , as if he was going to bite him . `` What do you want here ? '' he said , very fiercely . `` Oh , do n't hurt me ! '' cried Tom . `` I only want to look at you ; you are so handsome . '' `` Ah ? '' said the salmon , very stately but very civilly . `` I really beg your pardon ; I see what you are , my little dear . I have met one or two creatures like you before , and found them very agreeable and well-behaved . Indeed , one of them showed me a great kindness lately , which I hope to be able to repay . I hope we shall not be in your way here .
As soon as this lady is rested , we shall proceed XXXXX our journey . ''
For as at behind in like of on than upon