142 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



we had placed a native in a tree as a marker. As we could 

 see him plainly, and he made no indication of the boar having 

 gone on, we concluded he had lain up in the covert. We 

 therefore arranged to put the beaters again into the place 

 which we had first driven, and before long, another pig a sow 

 this time came out, and went off, taking much the same line 

 of country as the boar we had killed. She gave a very good 

 and fast run over some very rough ground, but our horses 

 carried us well and never made a false step. As we reached 

 some good riding ground we pressed in on her, and I took the 

 first spear ; on which she stood and seemed determined to act 

 on the offensive. Bulkley advanced at her at a walk a 

 rather dangerous proceeding, as in the event of the spear 

 missing, both horse and rider are at the mercy of the pig, 

 which can make its rush and do damage before its foes can 

 get away. 



Bulkley, however, stopped her, but so determined was 

 the charge that she managed to run in on the spear and bit 

 him sharply in the foot. Fortunately he was protected by a 

 stout deer-skin boot, and before farther mischief could be 

 done I had turned and given her the coup de grace. Again 

 returning to the river, we were met by grooms leading a 

 couple of galloways, which we mounted, sending off our 

 horses to the tents. "We partook of a slight refreshment, and 

 as we smoked our pipes we formed the plan of attack on the 

 big boar which we had seen crossing the river. 



The beaters being sent round, we took up our positions, 

 and stood anxiously waiting the appearance of the monster. 

 Tom-toms and drums were loudly beaten, horns were blown, 

 and guns fired, but still no signs of the game ; and it was only 

 when the last man left the covert that I began to suspect the 

 true state of affairs. Leaving the beaters, our shikarees pro- 



