22 GUN, RIFLE, AND HOUND. 



unusually short that I probably sighted a little too 

 full. 



Quickening his pace, the tiger made for some rocks 

 in the river-bed. I dropped upon my knee and 

 aimed again. His hind-quarters were now towards 

 me, and, knowing from old experience that with a 

 heavy rifle there is no more deadly shot than a raking 

 one from behind, I fired again. Immediately the tiger 

 rolled over, roaring horribly. After reloading, I moved 

 cautiously towards him. He heard me, and turned 

 his fore- quarters, trying to drag himself towards me 

 with his fore-paws. Seeing that he was paralysed, I 

 walked steadily towards him with the intention of 

 putting him out of his misery. Just as I raised the 

 rifle to do so the head dropped on his paws, and 

 with a moaning sigh he sank on his side dead. 



I was soon joined by my delighted shikari, who 

 knew this was worth a month's wages to him, and by 

 the beaters, who rejoiced in the hopes of double pay,, 

 which they got. 



The tiger turned out to be a young male, but full- 

 grown and in perfect condition. A young tree was 

 cut with the axe which I always made my shikaris 

 carry. The tiger's feet were lashed together, fore-feet 

 and hind-feet separately, and the pole was passed 

 through them. It took a good many of the beaters to 

 lift the tiger. However, they settled down cheerfully 

 to their task, trotting along to the chorus of an extem- 

 pore song, which reflected most scandalously on the 

 tiger's relations and ancestors for many generations. 



By two o'clock I had had my bath, and sat down 



