TIGERLAND 



the day was rapidly diminishing, and soon, while still an 

 hour from sunset, we were surrounded by a darkness as of 

 night, for though the sun was doubtless yet visible outside 

 it could not penetrate the trees and foliage between us 

 and its rays. 



However, we knew the moon would soon be rising, and 

 by midnight should be high enough to light up the margin 

 of the pool ; hence, any animal coming there to drink 

 should be plainly visible, unless immediately below us. 



It was a fascinating prospect from the sportsman's 

 point of view, and as we lay back on our grass couches we 

 resolved to keep awake all night rather than run the risk 

 of losing any item in the programme our fancy had made 

 out. 



We kept to our resolution for a time, struggling man- 

 fully against our drowsy inclinations, but there were too 

 many sleep-inducing influences at work. The soft, com- 

 fortable beds, added to the dark and death-like stillness 

 of the night, were powerful narcotics which, acting on 

 minds and bodies already wearied with exertion, finally 

 took effect, and we were both soon fast asleep. 



How long we had slept I cannot say, but presently I 

 was awakened by a grip upon the shoulder, while a voice, 

 which I recognized as Dhundhos', whispered in my ear : 

 " Don't move or speak, sahib, there is something stirring 

 underneath ; listen ! " As he spoke I heard a rustling 

 in the jungle below our platform. 



Raising myself cautiously, I sat listening for a while. 

 Soon the rustling ceased, and was succeeded by a low, 

 purring kind of sound, suggestive of some animal of the 

 cat tribe, but whether a tiger or a leopard was more than 

 I could tell. 



But Dhundhos knew the difference, for many were the 

 nights he had heard such sounds, and seen the beasts 

 that made them prowling round his lonely watch posts, 

 and before I had time to question him, he whispered, 

 " It is a bagh (tiger), sahib, coming to the pool to drink." 



Presently the rustling recommenced, and a moment or 

 two later we heard the beast step into the water, which it 

 commenced lapping, eagerly, as if suffering from great 

 thirst. Finally with a grunt of evident satisfaction it came 

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