260 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



Bonnor shikars en prince, drinking still hock while the beat 

 is going on, and the more noisy moselle when it is over." 

 I sent back a verbal message that I had just bagged a fine 

 tiger, and would be with them in the morning. On meeting I 

 learnt that they also had heard of this tiger, and, fearing lest 

 I should slay it before joining them, they had sent off their 

 urgent epistle. 



We had just finished a hearty breakfast when one of 

 Bonnor's men came in and reported two bears in a nullah, 

 about two miles from our camp. Colonel Buckle was busy 

 with state affairs, so we went off without him. The bears 

 were lying asleep in some long grass in a bamboo jungle, and 

 our guides, taking us up three abreast, heaved down stones. 

 The unhappy beasts had no chance. They made a rush up 

 the side of the nullah, but the fire was sharp and straight, and 

 they were killed at once. 



The day was hot. Bonnor suggested refreshments, and 

 commanded Ganymede to appear. I then saw that we were 

 followed by a man bearing on his head a huge basket. We 

 sat down under a shady tree, and from out a mass of wet 

 straw, the rich wines of the Ehineland and Bordeaux were 

 produced ; as also the beer of Bass, and soda-water of a skil- 

 ful manufacturer. Spices and limes were also there in pro- 

 fusion, and the requisite supply of tumblers. For the proper 

 mixing of the various drinks a large earthenware jug had 

 been also sent out. We lit our pipes, and spent an hour very 

 pleasantly, and then returned to the tent. 



In the afternoon we were again summoned to the jungle, 

 where another bear had been marked by our indefatigable 

 hunters. We set out at once, but the bear, having been 

 roused by a hasty shot, got away unhurt. Our men how- 

 ever pursued and headed him, and he was driven back. He 



