This whimsical black-and-white illustration captures a slender, elderly man holding a long, sinewy fishing pole from which dangles a tiny mouse on the hook. The man wears a striped coat, a vest, and baggy trousers, topped with a hat slightly tilted back, offering a vivid portrait of a character cast in an old-fashioned, almost Dickensian mold. The intricate crosshatching and line work reveal a meticulous technique that combines pen-and-ink precision with a lively dynamism, especially visible in the swirling, almost calligraphic curve of the fishing line. The expression on the man's face, drawn with delicate, sure strokes, suggests a gentle amusement and perhaps a playful trickery, turning what could have been a simple fishing scene into a playful oddity that stirs curiosity and humor.

There is a nostalgic charm to the composition, evoking a bygone era where storytelling was embedded in the characters' quirks and gestures rather than urgent drama. The restrained palette of black ink on white paper focuses our attention on the sharp contrasts, delicately balancing light and shadow, giving the figure a three-dimensional presence. Historically positioned in the early 20th century, this illustration aligns with Franklin Booth's distinctive style, combining commercial art with fine detail reminiscent of engraving. Emotionally, it invites viewers to linger, to peer closer, to enjoy the quiet absurdity and human warmth communicated through the artist’s masterful penmanship.