CHAP. xi. SCENE OF THE MURDER. 277 



of the name, sank into insignificance before the mighty 

 fall which fed them. High above our heads reared 

 the rocky precipice of a thousand feet in height, 

 the grassy mountains capped with forest, and I 

 could distinguish the very spot from which I had 

 heard the shouts of men on the day of Merriman's 

 death. Had I only known what was taking place 

 below, I might perhaps have been in time to save 

 the dog. 



We found the blood and remains of the offal of the 

 buck, but we, of course, saw no remains of the dog, as 

 the power of the torrent must soon have dashed him 

 to atoms against the rocks. 



Thus ended poor Merriman : a better hound never 

 lived. Unfortunately, Ceylon laws are often admin- 

 istered by persons who have never received a legal 

 education, and the natives escaped without further 

 punishment than the thrashing they had received. 

 Of this, however, they had a full dose, which was 

 a sweet sauce to their venison which they little anti- 

 cipated. 



The few descriptions that I have given of elk- 

 hunting should introduce a stranger thoroughly to the 

 sport. No one, however, can enjoy it with as much 

 interest as the owner of the hounds ; he knows the 

 character of every dog in the pack — every voice is 

 familiar to his ear ; he cheers them to the attack ; he 

 caresses them for their courage ; they depend upon 



