chap. iv. A BLACK WITH A DEVIL. 73 



One great cause of danger in shooting in thick jun- 

 gles is the obscurity occasioned by the smoke of the 

 first barrel ; this cannot escape from the surrounding 

 bushes for some time, and effectually prevents a cer- 

 tain aim with the remaining barrel. In wet weather 

 this is much increased. 



For my own part I dislike shooting in thick jungles, 

 and I very seldom do so. It is extremely dangerous, 

 and is like shooting in the dark ; you never see the 

 game until you can almost touch it, and the labour and 

 pain of following up elephants through thorny jungle 

 is beyond description. 



On our return to the post-holder's hut we dined and 

 prepared for sleep. It was a calm night, and not a 

 sound disturbed the stillness of the air. The tired 

 coolies and servants were fast asleep, the lamp burnt 

 dimly, being scantily fed with oil, and we were in the 

 act of lying down to rest when a frightful scream made 

 us spring to our feet. There was something so un- 

 earthly in the yell that we could hardly believe it 

 human. The next moment a figure bounded into the 

 little room that we occupied. It was a black, stark 

 naked. His tongue, half bitten through, protruded 

 from his mouth ; his bloodshot eyes, with a ghastly 

 stare, were straining from their sockets, and he stood 

 gazing at us with his arms extended wide apart. 

 Another horrible scream burst from him, and he fell 

 flat upon his back. 



