IO4 Leaves from an Indian Jungle. 



We retire behind our sheltering corner and think it out. 

 Shall we go back to camp, and arrange for a regular beat, 

 with sufficient men to ensure the successful driving out of 

 the tiger ? Or are we justified in making the most of the 

 opportunity as it presents itself? Two of our own men 

 and three villagers accompany us only five beaters in all. 

 But no " stops " are required here. 



At last we settle that a quiet little beat is advisable. 

 It will not disturb the tiger if he has moved on elsewhere. 

 My orderly has a watch. It is compared with ours ; and 

 careful plans are explained to him. At a fixed moment 

 allowing a generous margin of time for unforeseen con- 

 tingencies he is to extend his men on both banks of the 

 cul-de-sac, up which they are to walk slowly, quietly 

 talking, and chopping a tree at intervals* 



The old fellow reflectively wags his head, to imply 

 approval. It is not the first time he has played this 

 game. 



We leave the men and retrace our steps for some distance. 

 Then we climb the bank, and, detouring in the dry grass, in 

 due time approach cautiously that tree that we maiked ere 

 setting out. Every step must be considered now, for, if 

 the tiger is where we hope he is, he will not yet have set- 

 tled for a siesta, and is sure to take alarm at the least 

 suspicious sound. Slowly, gently then, through the 

 tinder dry leaves. 



There is no proper tree to roost in here. Even if there 

 was, it would be inadvisable to climb into it, for the deep 

 hollow to which that crow called our attention is not much 

 more than fifty yards away, and we might rise within the 

 range of vision of him who lies therein ! Here however 

 are several stout, close-set saplings and a thorny bush. 

 Behind these we shall be hidden and to a large extent 



