WILD DOGS 171 



bullocks. I had really no doubt that he was right, 

 but it was shorter at any rate to go to Rajoli, so I 

 said I would chance it. 



It was cool weather, so we made a start after 

 breakfast, one Wednesday, expecting to reach the 

 Range head-quarters, that we had to pass, about 

 sunset. However, one of the cart wheels broke, 

 and we had to wait for hours ; I sat and eat my dinner 

 on the roadside, and we got in about eleven. 



The Ranger was unfortunately away, but he had 

 said his guards would help me. One of them was 

 called to bring a fresh cart, but he sent word to say 

 he was not coming, and I could report him if I liked 1 

 At this Govind and the cook went to fetch him. 

 One of them took him by the arm, I believe, but he 

 snatched up a burning brand and hit the cook over 

 the head with it and burnt his hands too. Arjun 

 stooped to avoid the blow, seizing the guard's legs, 

 who turned a somersault over him. There were 

 yells and screams from women and children, and 

 men's angry voices, so I went to see what was happen- 

 ing. The servants were standing there, Arjun 

 examining his wounds, and the guard was lying like 

 a log on the ground by the side of an overturned 

 bedstead, and to all appearance very tipsy. Happily 

 at that minute the Ranger arrived, said the guard 

 should be punished, and arranged another cart 

 and oxen for us, and we made a fresh start something 

 after midnight. 



We travelled well for some hours and then there 

 was a loud crack and crash, and one of the luggage 

 carts broke in two and lay on the ground, the wheels 



