VI A CHAPTER OF MISTAKES 67 



should be searched before any one follows the 

 tracks themselves. And above all, the gun must 

 be level with the leading tracker, or, better, just 

 ahead of him.^ 



It was hateful to think of this poor wounded 

 beast, and we waited a week to try and get him, 

 but failed. 



One day I met a bear on the path, and slew 

 him to the surprise of every one, including the 

 bear. 



On another day we heard bears yelling, and, 

 after a long run, came on them digging. One of 

 them was upside down with his head in a hole. 

 I knelt down and fired right and left with the 

 •470, and missed. I nearly cried. The back sight 

 of the rifle, I discovered afterwards, had been 

 knocked almost a quarter of an inch to one side. 

 This really ended the shoot, and I am sure it 

 was about time. 



I learnt much and enjoyed the days. But I 

 offer sacrifice to all the jungle gods : and never 

 again do I shoot on a sacred tank. 



^ It is interesting to compare this point with what Mr. Morris 

 says on p. 149 — A. C. W. 



