"KILLING A MAN-EATER" 165 



As the Tung-ku's district was difficult to reach, 

 the Kelantan river branching miles from the nearest 

 point, and elephants being the only means of travel, 

 I told him that if I decided to go back with him he 

 would have to furnish the elephants and all the men 

 I might need. I also pointed out to him the difficulty 

 in transporting animals and cages to the coast, and 

 that the cost in time to me would probably be 

 greater than the trip and animals were worth. It 

 was my policy not to show any interest. 



I could see that the Tungku was anxious to have 

 me return with him to his district, as it was tiger 

 infested, and his people were leaving on that 

 account. He agreed to do everything in his power 

 as to men, elephants and transportation to the coast. 

 I told him I was very busy but that I would think 

 it over, and to come back in a few days when I 

 would give him a definite answer. 



As nearly all my animals had been shipped from 

 my house in Orchard Road, I decided to take the 

 trip with Tungku S'leman and go in for not only 

 tigers but whatever it was possible to get. I was 

 keen on securing a good specimen of rhinoceros, 

 and tapir, so made my preparations for a lengthy 

 stay in his district, and for getting whatever ani- 

 mals I could, large or small. When on the follow- 

 ing day the Tungku came to see me and I told 

 him I would go back with him, he seemed a happy 

 man. I advised him to send his chief follower on 

 ahead so that he could have the elephants meet 



