ADVENTURES IN CAMP AND JUNGLE. 303 



my camp to the Mogra. I found fresh tracks of several tigers, 

 but I was too early in the season, and the long grass in and 

 about the ravine was unburnt. I therefore determined to 

 return to Baug, as it was my intention to hunt the whole 

 country, in April and May, with some friends from the Mhow 

 garrison. I went out with some of my men in the afternoon, 

 and having fired the jungle in many places, I went home. I 

 had just dined, and was sitting in my arm-chair outside the 

 tent, when I heard a cry of " Fire ! " and, jumping up, I saw 

 the hill-side in a mass of flame, which was rapidly advancing 

 towards our camp. Fortunately a small clear space lay be- 

 tween us and the long dry grass, and we managed to beat out 

 the fire without any damage being done. 



On my way to Baug I again hunted in the ravine where I 

 had shot the tigress and cub. We had turned out a bear, 

 which I shot as it passed under me, but had not fallen in with 

 the tiger ; and I was preparing to start for the tents when 

 one of my men drew my attention to a yellow object among a 

 mass of rock and bamboo high up on the hill-side, about two 

 hundred yards from where we stood. He remarked that it 

 resembled a tiger's head, and, sure enough, as we watched it, 

 we saw the huge jaws gape as the mighty beast indulged in a 

 good yawn. As I feared that he would make off I quickly 

 mounted the elephant and went towards him, but found, as I 

 reached the base of the hill, that the view was impeded by 

 trees and bushes. Just then the elephant gave a loud shriek. 

 The tiger rose. I had an unsteady shot, and missed, and he 

 went off over the hill and was no more seen. I was greatly 

 vexed, for I believe I lost this fine tiger through my own fault. 

 Had I quietly posted myself in a tree, and sent men to drive, 

 I should probably have bagged him. But tiger-shooting, like 

 other things, can only be learnt by experience. 



