TIGERLAND 



as they passed. Suddenly a low rumbling as of distant 

 thunder was heard on the right, followed by squeals and 

 trumpeting all along the line. 



The next moment, with a roar that could be heard 

 even above the din created by the elephants, the tiger 

 was upon them. The suddenness and ferocity of the attack 

 was more than elephant nature could withstand, and with 

 one accord the " line " turned tail and fled with the tiger 

 in pursuit, biting and clawing any of them he could reach ! 



But whether too badly wounded to continue the attack, 

 or satisfied with the rout he had accomplished, he soon 

 gave up the chase, and returning to the cover whence he 

 had come, lay up again, showing his rage and disapproval 

 in a series of savage growls. 



Again and again was an attempt made to drive him 

 to the howdahs, but always with the same result, till at 

 last all but two of the staunchest of the " line " refused 

 to approach him. 



The struggle had continued for about an hour, and as 

 there seemed no immediate prospect of surrender on the 

 tiger's part nor any likelihood of his succumbing to his 

 injuries, it was determined to attack him in his stronghold 

 with the howdah elephants a fairly perilous undertaking, 

 considering the state of his temper and the position he 

 occupied ! 



But matters were getting serious, and the sun un- 

 pleasantly warm. The howdah elephants and two staunch 

 tuskers aforesaid were accordingly formed into line and 

 advanced cautiously into the cover. 



No sooner had they entered than they were greeted 

 by a roar so appalling in its ferocity that the three elephants 

 carrying the Forest Officer and the planters, turned tail 

 and fled incontinently, nor in spite of all threats and induce- 

 ments could they be persuaded to return to the attack. 



G and the two tuskers were accordingly left to carry 



on the fight as best they might. 



Their position was anything but an enviable one, for 

 the tiger, whether tired out with its previous exertions, 

 or awed by the gleaming tusks and bulky proportions of 

 the tuskers, now changed its tactics, and instead of 

 charging out as before, remained concealed within the 

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