TIGERLAND 



the tiger, whom we had disturbed at its morning meal, so 

 we now looked about for a tree ; but the only suitable one 

 we could find was some hundred yards away from the " kill." 

 Here was a difficulty we had not anticipated, and we 

 were puzzled for some time how to get over it, but our ever- 

 resourceful " shikari " was equal to the occasion, and came 

 to the rescue with a suggestion as unique as it was simple, 

 but clever nevertheless. 



I am perhaps wrong, however, in describing it as 

 unique, for it savoured something of the plan said to have 

 been adopted by Mahomet in his difficulty with the moun- 

 tain, his proposal being that since the tree could not be 

 brought closer to the " kill " why not tie the latter to the 

 elephant and drag it nearer to the tree ? 



" What ! handle the carcass ? " we exclaimed simul- 

 taneously, all our book-gained knowledge up in arms 

 against a suggestion which, in our ignorance, we believed 

 if carried out would most effectually prevent the tiger 

 from returning to the " kill." However, the " shikari " 

 evidently knew better ; but, too respectful to contradict 

 us, replied that he did not propose to touch the carcass, 

 " nor is it necessary to do so," he continued, " for we 

 can throw a slip-knot round the horns, which will be 

 tightened as the elephant moves on." 



As there seemed no other way of accomplishing our 

 object, we consented, and soon had the gruesome remains 

 in tow, at the end of a long rope, and finally deposited it in 

 a comparatively clear spot, about twenty yards from the 

 tree and well in view from its branches. 



We then set about constructing the " machan," or 

 platform, as quickly as possible, on the lower branches of 

 the tree, having come provided with rope and bamboos for 

 this purpose, and soon had a fairly substantial platform 

 ready, and about twelve feet from the ground. 



We now covered it over with grass and small branches, 

 and, carefully removing all trace of our work, took up our 

 position, sending the elephant away, with strict orders not 

 to cross the " drag " lest the tiger be put off from following 

 up the scent an unnecessary precaution, as we soon found, 

 for the smell from the decaying carcass was far too power- 

 ful for even an elephant to destroy. 

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