ig8 LAST SHOOT 



heat we reached a circular sunken hollow, which in 

 the rainy season had been a deep pool, surrounded 

 by rocks some 20 feet high. 



Here the shikari halted us and pointed to a 

 relatively small hole in the rock about 15 feet above 

 us, from which a narrow, shelf-like path led to the 

 forest above. 



" The bagh is resting in there," said the shikari. 



The three of us stood close together in the centre 

 of the pit, for it was little else, with our eyes glued 

 on the hole which was the entrance to Mrs. Tiger's 

 apartment. 



It was against all rule to fire at her when several 

 feet above us, as it was an absolute certainty 

 that the shot would bring her down on the top of 

 us; and that is just what happened. 



After about two minutes of, for us, intense 

 strain the tigress came out of the cave. We fired 

 almost simultaneously, but I am of opinion that 

 Best fired a second or two before me and hit her 

 first, thus earning the skin, which, however, he 

 most generously insisted on my keeping. 



What happened after we fired I am unable to 

 describe with exactitude. The tiger came down 

 amongst us, and I have a recollection of gravel 

 flying about and of a certain amount of concen- 

 trated essence of tension prevailing, but Best 

 was as cool as the proverbial cucumber and it was 

 his finishing shot which killed her. She was dying 

 when she came into us, but quite able and willing 

 to make things unpleasant for all concerned. 



I rested a couple of days in camp and learnt to 

 appreciate Best's sterling qualities and I hope we 

 shall remain fast friends. 



