38 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



significant look to a small pistol that I always carried 

 loaded in my belt on such occasions, in case of 

 accidents. 



He understood what was passing in my mind, 

 walked up to his dying serviteur, and patted his 

 neck. The poor animal, in spite of his agony, recog- 

 nised his master, for he raised himself up partly 

 from the ground, and rubbed his nose against his 



shoulder in a most affectionate manner. N 



kissed his forehead, and, passing his hand across 

 his eyes, rushed into the jungle, saying, " Do not let 

 him linger." When his back was turned, I placed 

 the muzzle of my pistol to the suffering animal's 

 temple, and pulled the trigger — a slight quiver of 

 the body followed the report, and " Bidgeley " was 



dead. N cut off some of the hair of his forelock 



and tail for a souvenir, I slung his saddle and bridle 

 over Lai Babba's back, and we slowly retraced our 

 way towards the tent. 



We soon fell in with and C , who were 



reclining under a tree, as their horses were quite 

 done up ; and in a short time our syces (grooms) 

 came up with fresh mounts. After having directed 

 them where to find the hog, we mounted and rode 

 into camp — a distance of eight miles ; the boar 

 having led us a chase of at least seven. 



We had a fearfully hot ride, as the sun had risen 

 high above the horizon, and there was not a cloud to 

 intercept his rays ; the sultriness was getting more 

 and more oppressive, and we found the wind scorch- 



