288 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



a tree overhanging the right bank, near the head of the 

 ravine. 



The beaters entered below, and came on shouting and 

 beating tom-toms. As they advanced I heard a troop of 

 monkeys swearing, as they always do when a tiger or panther 

 is on foot. Still I saw nothing ; and, as the beaters were now 

 nearly within sight of my position, I began to fear that the 

 game had gone up the side of the ravine unperceived. But 

 about 150 yards below me was a mass of detached rocks, and 

 on stones being hurled among them, a fine tigress sprang out, 

 and after coming a short distance towards me turned up the 

 opposite bank. She was at least 120 yards off and moving 

 fast, but a lucky shot took her through the loins, and, unable 

 to face the steep hill, she turned and came scrambling along 

 the face in front of my position. Eeserving my fire, I allowed 

 her to come on, and put a shot in well behind the shoulder, 

 but just at that moment she gained the shelter of an over- 

 hanging ledge of rock and disappeared. I was much vexed, 

 for I feared she had got into some cave. However, I reloaded, 

 and calling up two or three of my best men to cover my 

 movements, I descended the side of the ravine till I could see 

 the tigress as she lay. Taking a steady aim, I again fired, and 

 she rolled down into the bottom, where she expired. 



Next day we moved our tents, and encamped in the 

 jungle five miles to the eastward, and within range of the 

 Mogra ravine. My men were soon scattered over the country, 

 and on the following morning sent word of game. Sending 

 off my guns, I followed on horseback, accompanied by a 

 trooper of my escort. The Mogra ravine is one of the best 

 spots for game in that country, and I have seldom, if ever, 

 drawn it blank. On this occasion my men reported a tigress 

 and cubs. I selected a tree close to the bed of the stream, 



