190 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



found Himta and his men seated in trees commanding a view 

 of some long dry grass on the banks of a small watercourse 

 running down the hill-side. Among the grass grew trees and 

 bushes. The markers were unable to point out the precise 

 spot where the bears had lain up, and it was therefore settled 

 that Hunt should take up a position on the face of the hill 

 above them, while I with three men advanced into the grass. 

 We were to proceed quietly, and, if possible, get a shot at 

 them before they moved. If we startled them by our approach, 

 we calculated on my driving them up to Hunt, who went off 

 to his post, accompanied by his two gun-bearers. Having 

 allowed sufficient time to elapse, I advanced into the grass 

 with great caution, closely followed by Bappoo, Buggoo Sing, 

 jemadar of police, and Himta, the two former carrying my 

 spare rifles. 



As I was carefully endeavouring to avoid treading on the 

 dry sticks, I came on a covey of the small bustard quail. 

 These birds are generally found in the tree jungles, and sit in 

 the grass closely packed together, rising simultaneously, with 

 much noise, when disturbed. I had almost stepped on them 

 before they rose ; and as they flew up into my face I was a 

 good deal startled. I had hardly settled my nerves when I 

 saw the male bear about thirty paces in front of me, making 

 off at speed towards the right. I fired at once, but the smoke 

 came back on me ; and, as it cleared away, I saw the other 

 bear, not ten yards off, going away after the first. I let drive 

 with the second barrel, on which she wheeled round and came 

 straight at me, grunting viciously. I had no time to turn to get 

 a second rifle before she was on me. Eising on her hind legs, 

 she attempted to seize me by the throat in her teeth ; and, as 

 I fended her off with my left arm, she got it in her mouth, and 

 crunched it up like a cucumber. Meanwhile, she was not 



