428 WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS CHAP. 



straight for the hollow between the mountains in which I had 

 last heard the dogs, with the determination of following up their 

 tracks if I should be fortunate enough to find them. 



"After toiling for some time through the thick jungle I 

 arrived at the hollow, and I shortly discovered a capital path made 

 by elephants of all dates, and which, from its beaten appearance 

 and total absence from underwood, was evidently the direct track 

 over the mountain which had been used for many years. It 

 immediately struck me that it was by this easy route that the 

 stag had always escaped over, and not round the hills, which I 

 had hitherto supposed. Fully convinced of this, I hurried up the 

 path as fast as I was able, and when about half-way up the hill, 

 sure enough there were the deer's fresh tracks in the path, together 

 with those of the whole pack likewise, taking the same direction 

 up the hill. 



" The hillside was about a mile in length, and a regular breather, 

 but the excitement kept up a sort of shuffling run, until at last 

 the summit was gained. 



" From the top of this ridge is a very magnificent view over a 

 jungle country of about 30 miles, bounded by lofty mountains, 

 among which Adam's Peak towers majestically in the distance. 

 A few small patinas (grass lands) are dotted about in the vast 

 expanse of forest, and countless dark ravines furrow the mountain 

 sides. The ridge upon which I stood formed the bold outline to 

 this side of the panorama. On the right hand, far below, lay 

 several coffee plantations, i.e. Palliser's and Hunter's, etc. 



" A steep but regular inclination led from the point upon which 

 I stood for about 5 miles downwards, to the level of the large 

 river which flowed through the coffee estates, and a dark hollow 

 in the face of the mountain marked the source and rapid increase 

 of the Diggamy Oya, which meets the larger river below at right 

 angles. 



" To this dark line in the mountain side my eyes instinctively 

 wandered as the possible line of the elk's run, as I knew he would 

 soon take to water after his quick burst up the hill 



"The sky was spotless, and not a breath of air stirred the tree- 

 tops, upon which I looked down as upon a vast carpet of undula- 

 tions. It was a lovely morning for listening, and I strained my 

 ears for the slightest sound. I fancied that I heard an indistinct 

 noise from far beneath like the hum of bees ; this seemed to pro- 

 ceed from the dark hollow which marked the river's course. . . . 

 It was not fancy. Once or twice I heard a deep voice louder than 

 the rest. ... To crown all certainty I heard most distinctly the 



