A FLYING SHOT OR TWO. 409 



On reaching camp, Jed, who had meanwhile returned from Lucknow, told 

 them that he had seen the same boar, as he believed, eating some nuts which 

 grew in a grove of trees not far off, and, though he had gone to the pool for water, 

 he was quite sure to return to his former feeding-place. 



You may be sure Dick was eager for the sport, especially as he was well aware 

 not only of the amazing strength and courage of the animal, but of the chivalry 

 that he often displays toward a fallen enemy. 



Mr. Godkin was inclined at first to arm himself and companion with the spears 

 which the natives used, but they were so long and slender, and his young friend 

 was so unaccustomed to handling them, that he decided it would be wiser to rely 

 on their own weapons. 



Furthermore, he thought the chances about even of seeing the brute again. 

 Those creatures, as they grow older, do not associate with herds of their kind, 

 but are fond of browsing by themselves. If Dick should be fortunate enough to 

 catch sight of one, his intention was to ride as closely as possible and take a shot at 

 him. If the bullet was well aimed, he might bring down his game, though he 

 was more likely to fail than succeed. 



Leaving the natives in camp, our friends, a couple of hours later, rode out to 

 the edge of the grassy plain, where Mr. Godkin glanced over the tract with the 

 observing eye of a true sportsman. 



"Yonder," said he, "is the clump of trees that Jed told us about. I recognize 

 them as bearing the fruit to which the boar is so partial, and if the one we saw 

 does not return, we may catch sight of another." 



" If I am not mistaken," replied Dick, speaking slowly and with his gaze fixed 

 on the clump of trees, " I see something moving in the grass on the farther side ; 

 tell me what^w make of it." 



" It is the boar, as you live ! " exclaimed Mr. Godkin ; " we're in luck to-day." 



" How shall we proceed ? " 



" You may ride toward the trees, while I will take a course parallel with the 

 trend of the jungle." 



" What is the reason for that ? " 



I am going to let you have the first chance, and if necessary, I will give you 

 help in the final disposition of the boar provided," added the gentleman with a 

 laugh, " the boar doesn't first dispose of us." 



Dick was thankful for the consideration of his friend, and he felt no misgiving 

 about any mishap befalling him. 



It seemed to him that if he drove the animal from beneath the trees, he would 

 dart into the jungle, where it would be impossible to follow him on horseback or on 

 foot with any prospect of overtaking him. 



But a few minutes would decide. 



The youth had ridden only a little way when he saw that the boar was really 

 under the trees, poking his snout over the ground, among the grass, in quest of the 

 nuts he liked so well. 



