8o Leaves from an Indian fungle. 



But I had not quite done with him yet, and he only just 

 saved his bacon as I engaged him and forced him back : 

 then with a fierce effort I bore him to his knees, and, as he 

 leaped back, exposing his side, made a rapid rush, and a 

 despairing grunt left his panting throat as my horns took 

 him in the flank. 



After this it was a mere pursuit ! He never faced me 

 again, as I chevied him over the fields. Then, the fire of 

 conquest burning in my eye, I left him disconsolately gazing 

 from a respectful distance, and stepped proudly towards 

 my does. 



When the moon rose late that night, it disclosed the 

 dethroned one still following us ; but by morning he had 

 disappeared. 



I was now the master of a herd the ambition of every 

 right-minded buck and life passed, unmarked by episode, 

 except when I had to fight for my property, or when I added 

 to its numbers. Some two years must have passed thus ; 

 and by this time I was, I flatter myself, one of the finest 

 bucks in the country-side. My horns were over 24 inches in 

 length, and were strong and thick ; my colour a dark brown- 

 grey, for I am of the caste that never assumes the intense 

 black of the smaller breed and my bulk and weight have 

 stood me in good stead. 



The country where I found myself finally settled is within 

 fifteen miles of a small military station which lies nearer 

 the range of hills to the north, and it is visited now and 

 again by sahibs. Thus far I had escaped being fired at, by 

 observing the simple rules which every wideawake buck 

 should have at his command ; but of late times I too have 

 had my experiences in this line. For the guidance of other 

 bucks I should observe that one should be particularly wide- 

 awake on Thursdays and Sundays it is on such days 



