A RICKETY HAMMOCK 181 



in the darkness of the tree shadows to find the fallen 

 things ; the rifles, a rug or two, the water-bottle and 

 the coat, and while I did this the tiger roared round 

 about, only at rather a greater distance. When all the 

 things were put back in the machan I climbed in 

 myself in some trepidation, but it seemed firm and 

 able to bear my weight. It hung in a sort of loose 

 bag and was most cramped and uncomfortable all 

 night, my shoulders were curved round and pressed 

 together, making me a very round back. I hoped 

 the tiger might come back soon, but he must have 

 been scared away. He must also have been rather 

 astonished if he had seen my fall, close beside his 

 kill. 



I dined precariously, but as well as I could, doubled 

 up in this cramped position, then sat and watched. 

 A sambur came near and, I think, a bison, but I 

 could not see properly under the trees; there were 

 sounds of stealthy movements several times but I 

 do not think it was the tiger. I dropped off to 

 sleep occasionally, but the night was very long, and 

 I wished for either dawn or the tiger the tiger for 

 choice. 



When morning did come I was so fearfully sore 

 and stiff all over, but especially about the head and 

 shoulders, that it was with difficulty I could creep 

 out of my bag on to the ladder and climb down. 

 When the men came they had to help me on to the 

 pony, and I rode her home as quietly as she would 

 let me. 



The servants were much interested when I gave 

 them a description of this curious little outing. 



