OF THE DESERT 221 



extended line, of which the tonga was the 

 centre, we proceeded to beat the ground 

 before us. Before long a signal was made 

 from our flank. I got out and walked to the 

 man, but only to have a cobra pointed out to 

 me, lying on the sand with half-erected head. 

 I know no more devilish-looking brute than 

 a black cobra. This one was dark as jet, 

 and a good six foot long. I promptly blew 

 his head off, and returned to the trap. 



The next signal was from the shikari, who 

 pointed out several partridges running before 

 him. I followed quietly till they went to the 

 right of a large clump of cactus, when I sent 

 him after them, taking the left myself. By 

 walking smartly I met them face to face at 

 the end, just as I had calculated ; and they 

 rose, enabling me to get an easy right and 

 left. The grey partridge is said to be a 



