BUILDING BETTER THAN HE KNEW. 353 



While stealing out of the jungle, I caught a glimpse of two other tigers that were 

 peering out from their lair at a group of deer just beyond, and evidently consider- 

 ing whether they should kill every one, or spare a few for their neighbors. 



" I made a circuit that took me around that dangerous section, but before I 

 could get out of the place, I narrowly missed running upon two others. I paused 

 long enough to notice that one was licking his paw, while the other was raising a 

 howl, as if impatient that I was so long in delaying their supper. 



" Even when I thought I was fairly clear of the appalling section, I saw a tiger 

 that had leaped on the neck of a buffalo as he was drinking from the water, and 

 was tearing the poor fellow to pieces. 



" How I got out with my life, as I said, is a mystery, but I wouldn't repeat the 

 attempt for the Kohinoor itself." 



The three individuals who, Mr. Godkin said, would accompany them on the 

 tiger hunt, were the natives whom he had hired to go with them on the expedition. 



They were all Hindoos, and their right names were Buktar Sing, Budao, and 

 Kassi Roy. You see how awkward they sound on the lips of an American, and so, 

 merely for convenience, our friends gave them the handy appellations named. 



I have already said that they were experienced hunters, who received such 

 liberal pay from Mr. Godkin that they were anxious to serve him in every way 

 possible. 



The friend with whom they were spending the night lived on the borders of the 

 village, less than a mile distant ; and, since elephants are so common in India, my 

 agent knew he would have no trouble in securing any number of them whenever 

 he desired. 



The events of the night, as you will admit, were enough to shake the nerves of 

 the strongest man, and neither Mr. Godkin nor Dick Brownell felt the least dispo- 

 sition to lie down for more sleep. Convinced that the tiger had taken his departure 

 for good, they once more came outdoors. Each held his loaded gun in hand, for in 

 such a country as India it is wise to be prepared at all times for a hostile visit. 



The couple had been seated but a few minutes in conversation, when Mr. 

 Godkin directed his companion's attention to the growing light in the East. 



" Daylight is at hand," he added, " and you are as glad as I." 



" Indeed I am ; it is one of the longest nights I ever spent. I looked at my 

 watch a few minutes ago, and saw that the sun would soon rise." 



They stayed where they were a short time longer, and then, rising to their feet, 

 flung their blankets over their arms and set out in the direction of the village 

 where they had left theii horses in charge of Jim, Jack and Jo. 



Before our friends had gone half way to the village, day dawned, and all the 

 signs indicated another trying spell of heat. 



Turning a bend in the highway, Mr. Godkin and Dick found themselves within 

 a short distance of the village. The instant they were seen, a crowd of men, 

 women and children came running toward them, uttering the most dismal wailing 

 and cries. 



