rv THE ELEPHANT 81 



Early on the following morning the news was brought by the 

 shikaris that the buffalo had been killed, and dragged into a 

 neighbouring ravine. As the river was close by, there could be no 

 doubt that the tiger would have drunk water after feasting on the 

 carcase, and would be lying asleep somewhere in the immediate 

 neighbourhood. 



The mucharns (platforms in trees) had already been prepared 

 in positions where the tiger was expected to pass when driven, as 

 he would make for the forest-covered hills which rose within half 

 a mile of the river. 



The spot was within twenty minutes of the camp ; the elephants 

 were both ready, with simple pads, as the howdah was ill adapted 

 for a forest ; and we quickly started. 



Three mucharns had been prepared; these were about 100 

 yards apart in a direct line which guarded a narrow glade between 

 the jungle upon the river's bank and the main body of the forest 

 at the foot of a range of red sandstone hills ; these were covered 

 to the summit with trees already leafless from the drought. 



The mucharn which fell to my share was that upon the right 

 flank when facing the beat ; this was in the open glade opposite 

 a projecting corner of the jungle. On the left, about 70 yards 

 distant, was a narrow strip of bush connected with the jungle, 

 about 4 yards wide, which terminated in a copse about 30 yards 

 in diameter ; beyond this was open glade for about 40 yards width 

 until it bounded the main forest at the foot of the hill-range. 



We took our places, and I was assured by the shikaris that the 

 tiger would probably break covert exactly in my front. 



It is most uncomfortable for a European to remain squatted in 

 a mucharn for any length of time ; the limbs become stiffened, and 

 the cramped position renders good shooting anything but certain. 

 I have a simple wooden turnstool, which enables me to shoot in 

 any required direction ; this is most comfortable. 



I had adjusted my stool upon a thick mat to prevent it from 

 slipping, and having settled myself firmly, I began to examine the 

 position to form an opinion concerning the most likely spot for the 

 tiger to emerge from the jungle. 



The beat had commenced, and the shouts and yells of a long 

 line of 150 men were gradually becoming more distinct. Several 

 icacocks ran across the open glade : these birds are always the 

 )rerunners of other animals, as they are the first to retreat. 



Presently I heard a rustle in the jungle, and I observed the legs 

 f a sambur deer, which, having neared the edge, now halted to 

 listen to the beaters before venturing to break from the dense 



