CHAPTER LXIV. 



THE TIGER-HUNTERS. 



tHE announcement that the two hunters had determined to kill the dreaded 

 tiger caused such joy among the hearers who quickly gathered the meaning 

 from those who understood the words that they seemed to forget the recent 

 visit of the man-eater. 



Even the father and mother of the captured child flung their hands aloft and 

 expressed their pleasure at learning that the neighborhood was to be rid of the 

 scourge. 



This course being settled upon, Mr. Godkin went about the task with the prompt 

 thoroughness which marked everything he did. 



The first step was for him and Dick to secure their morning meal, a very easy 

 task as they were situated. 



Little meat is eaten during the hot season in India, because of its heating nature, 

 though at other times enormous quantities of beef, mutton and game are con- 

 sumed. 



In one of the natives' huts the expenditure of tive annas about fifteen cents 

 procured all the goat's milk and fruit they needed. 



The villager was so delighted over the presence of two such mighty hunters 

 that had come to slay the fearful pest that he was unwilling to take payment, and 

 would have been only too glad to provide his friends with all they wanted for noth- 

 ing; but Mr. Godkin had made the wise rule of never accepting favors of that kind. 



By the time our friends had finished their morning meal ( the custom in most 

 tropical countries, as you know, is to eat but two meals a day, the second being late 

 in the afternoon), the servants had brought the two elephants in front of the hut, 

 where they awaited their riders. 



Both the animals were small, that of Dick being a female, and not much larger 

 than a good-sized ox. Mr. Godkin's was somewhat taller, but both were so low 

 that each person, with a little help, was able to climb upon the neck and enter the 

 howdah, or box-like saddle, which is used in riding the beasts. 



The arrangement was that Jo should accompany Dick, while Jkn was to ride 

 with Mr. Godkin. Jack had already mounted the pony of the gentleman, and, 

 placing himself at the head, seemed disposed to assume the part of leader of the 

 expedition. Each assistant carried a spear, though it would seem fire-arms would 

 have been more appropriate. 



A half dozen natives begged the privilege of accompanying the party on foot, 

 though they were likely to prove more of an impediment than a help in the perilous 

 business. 



356 



