vii DISTRICT OFFICER'S NARROW ESCAPE 77 



suspecting native traveller. After a time I was able 

 to make out their eyes glowing in the darkness, and 

 I took as careful aim as was possible in the circum- 

 stances and fired ; but the only notice they paid to 

 the shot was to carry off whatever they were 

 devouring and to retire quietly over a slight rise, 



"I TOOK UP MY POSITION IN A CRIB MADE OF SLEEPERS." 



which prevented me from seeing them. There they 

 finished their meal at their ease. 



As soon as it was daylight, I got out of my crib 

 and went towards the place where I had last heard 

 them. On the way, whom should I meet but my 

 missing guest, Mr. Whitehead, looking very pale 

 and ill, and generally dishevelled. 



