08 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



advance, all proceeded to the jungle-side. Nimrod announced 

 his intention of refraining from all active part in the pro- 

 ceedings, on the ground that it would be unfair for an old 

 experienced hunter like himself to take the spear from a lot 

 of young fellows to whom the sport was new. He was, how- 

 ever, assured that without his valuable aid the game would 

 probably escape, and that it was therefore hoped he would 

 not practise such extreme self-denial. On the riders taking 

 up their positions, men were sent to free the obscene 

 beast, which speedily appeared ; and, in expectation of the 

 customary chevy, made off at its best pace. By judicious 

 management, all the field got thrown out with the exception 

 of Nimrod, who was seen riding like a man, and coming up 

 to the pig, hand over hand. Making a well-directed rush, 

 with a triumphant shout, he speared the beast, and a few 

 more thrusts rolled it over. The other riders now gathered 

 round the redoubtable hunter, who was seen standing by the 

 prostrate " gaumtee," waving his cap and brandishing his 

 blood-stained spear. " Gentlemen !" he cried, " it was too 

 bad of me ! but really when I saw the boar break cover, my 

 blood got up, and I was quite unable to restrain myself ! " 

 At this moment, a villager, who had been previously well 

 coached, came running up and demanded payment for his 

 property. It was long before Mmrod again entertained the 

 mess with his hunting exploits. 



Although large boars often showed fight, and gave trouble, 

 at times they were laid low by a single spear. One morn- 

 ing we were hunting in a difficult country, covered with 

 scrub-bush, through which it was difficult to urge a horse 

 at great speed, when a stout young boar was seen crossing 

 the cover at some distance ahead. He was going at a sharp 

 pace, and as he already had a good start, the word to ride 



