ADVENTURES IN CAMP AND JUNGLE. 63 



the species known as inurrel. They were lying close to each 

 other near the surface of the water, and, aiming between their 

 heads, I fired with a heavy rifle. The Shaik, who had in the 

 meantime disrobed, sprang in and recovered both fish. Neither 

 had been struck, but the concussion of the water had stunned 

 them, and they were on the bank before they had time to 

 recover. 



My friend being restored to health, we arranged to move 

 to the Mombait jungles, about four miles to the north of 

 Phoonda. The road was only practicable for men on foot, and 

 horses ; so we had to collect coolies to carry our tent and 

 baggage. These were sent on with Shaik Adam, who was 

 directed to go out on reaching the ground, look about for 

 marks of game, and ascertain the prospects of sport 

 generally. 



We started on horseback one afternoon, but, as we did not 

 take the direct route, it was sundown before we reached the 

 camp. We found the coolies and servants busy pitching the 

 tent, and bringing in wood, grass, and water. The Shaik had 

 gone out alone, and it was nearly dark before he came in. He 

 said he had been along the crest of the Ghauts, and had visited 

 several caves of bears, finding fresh marks. He was on his 

 way back to the camp, and was entering on a piece of clear 

 ground, about 200 yards in length, having a footpath down 

 the middle of it. On coming out into, the open, he saw a 

 bear walking leisurely towards him along the path, and as he 

 was not observed he quietly slipped aside and concealed him- 

 self behind some bushes. The bear, meanwhile, came slowly 

 forward, and when within ten paces, the Shaik gave it the 

 contents of the long gun through the heart. The bear fell in 

 its tracks quite dead, but to make sure he rammed down 

 another charge, and fired again behind its shoulder as it lay 



