224 DAYS AND NIGHTS OF SHIKAR 



what tiger would come walking out in the open when 

 he could steal along hidden paths. Of course it 

 was much more likely he should come through the 

 trees and scrub, but I told him that all the same I 

 must really have a few branches tied up behind me. 

 He said there was very little time ; chopping boughs 

 and then fixing them up would make so much noise, 

 and that the tiger who might be coming at that 

 minute would be sure to see or hear and be frightened 

 away. I found we were making more noise talking, 

 though in whispers, and arguing about it all than 

 perhaps it was worth, so, against my better judgment, 

 I gave in and the men went off. 



I had to keep a look-out on all sides at once and 

 it was not so very long before the tiger appeared 

 from the open, rather behind me on my right. 

 He was forty yards away and walked along boldly, 

 and if I had dared to move I should have had a 

 beautiful shot at him, but I dared not wink an eye. 

 I could see him over my shoulder as he came quite 

 near; he stopped for a short time and then came 

 and stood behind me, not venturing at once up to 

 the kill in front. I could not see him at all now, 

 as I did not dare to turn my head and only knew he 

 was there by an occasional soft purring that he made. 

 There we both were, within a few yards of each other, 

 waiting, waiting, and he must have stood there for 

 half an hour to judge by the sun. I sat deadly still, 

 hoping every second to see him walk out in front 

 from under my tree. At last, as I had heard no 

 purring for a long time, I turned my head very 

 slightly and quite silently I thought. The tiger 



