THE BORI FOREST 315 



by a short, sharp bark and another chorus of squeals.* 

 ' Jaldi, sahib — Jaldi /' {' haste, haste !'). We rush out, 

 and, carefully advancing through long grass, approach 

 the bank of the river, shaded by great trees. There is 

 just daylight enough to see a sight which is given to few 

 to see, the death of the hunted stag, which has been 

 chased by forty hell-hounds for perhaps days — a noble 

 beast, which has used every wile in vain, and has been 

 fairly run into in the bed of the stream. He is at bay in a 

 deep pool, and has tossed several on the points of his horns ; 

 but there are others, which press on him from every side, 

 and fasten on his cheek, his neck, and hind-legs. Their 

 jaws, once locked in a vice-like grip, never let go. The 

 unequal struggle soon comes to an end, and the stag falls 

 at the river-bank to rise no more. Then ensues a general 

 melee, and every hound, with red tongue hanging out, 

 panting and snarling, rushes in to take his share, not 

 very particular whether he gets hold of a haunch of venison 

 or a piece of another hound. The fight once begun and 

 blood drawn, there is vengeance and fratricidal war, when 

 suddenly the report of my rifle rings out sharp, and the 

 fighting ceases. Another shot at a big sentinel dog which 

 has been sitting on the top of a rock, coolly licking himself, 

 and watching us without a particle of alarm. He falls 

 from his perch, and another dog takes his place. This 

 gentleman looks as if he was a good deal annoyed, and 

 the red hair bristles and stands on his back. He has 

 no idea of nmning away, but looks a warning to us to 

 come no nearer. The death-worry still proceeds, and 

 little is left of the stag. I fire another shot, and Boodoo 

 advises caution in approaching till the orgies are complete, 

 as he declares that if enraged the pack will attack us. 



* It has been recently stated in the Field that these dogs are mute, 

 but I will vouch for the abo\'e. 



