30 REMINISCENCES OF PIG-STICKING. 



him. Lord Beresford, who was not only the best mount- 

 ed but the strongest rider, was very soon alongside 

 the boar, and after one or two jinks got a fair spear 

 rather behind. This made the pig turn round and face 

 his host of pursuers, and though a small pig he seem- 

 ed to be everywhere, for he knew there was no escape 

 for him now, and died nobly fighting to the last ; he 

 was a very well-made pig with sharp tusks and measur- 

 ed 31". 



This last run had brought us very near our destina- 

 tion, viz., the patiales, so we had merely to wait for the 

 elephants and coolies to come up, refreshing ourselves in 

 the meanwhile with sundry pegs. As soon as the hathees 

 arrived the beating of the patiales commenced; and, with 

 the shouting of coolies, beating of tom-toms and kerosine 

 tins, the line advanced. It was about four o'clock — 

 the best time to beat the patiales, as the pigs about this 

 time not only come out much more easily, but do not 

 make for the village, but for the open. Pigs of all 

 sizes, shapes and descriptions were soon seen running all 

 over the maidan ; in about half an hour four boars were 

 accounted for, there being only one good-sized pig. The 

 spears were as follows : — Lord William Beresford one, 

 Harbord one, Johnstone one, and the Sultan Saheb one. 



Old Archie thought we had had quite enough, and 

 twelve pigs was not a bad day's work. The factory and 

 camp being quite close we rode in, and fizz and soda soon 

 made us forget our toils. We were all very hungry 

 and ready for dinner, so after a tub and a capital repast, 



