THE HUNTING GROUNDS, ETC. 55 



eaters are so desperately cunning that one can 

 hardly ever be up to their moves. It is of no 

 use picketing bullocks in the places he frequents, 

 for he will not touch them. I have frequently 

 known him to carry off the man who was watching 

 the cattle, and leave the herd untouched. One is 

 never sure of his movements ; he is so cunning 

 that he very seldom shows himself, and although 

 after he has carried off some one, I have frequently 

 followed his trail for miles, yet his lair has not yet 

 been discovered, and I believe he never remains two 

 nights in the same place. They say he has killed 

 more than forty people within the last six months ; 

 and as I know myself that sixteen post-runners 

 have been missed within that time, I have no doubt 

 but that he has carried them off. The dauk * post 

 runners will not go alone now ; they carry the 

 tappal bags in bands of five or six, armed, and 

 with fire-sticks, and even then so great is the fear 

 inspired by this brute, that they often choose to go 

 by an out-of-the-way road rather than run the 

 chance of meeting him. He would be a lucky man, 

 indeed, who killed this beast, for great rewards 

 are offered for his skin. I have followed his trail 

 many a long day, and once got a sight of him as 

 he was drinking; but Avhen I tried to steal near 

 enough to be certain of my aim, he got wind of 



* DauJc or tappal. — Indian post. The letters being carried 

 in leather bags, on men's shoulders, who are relieved every five 

 miles. 



