THE HUNTING GROUNDS, ETC. 151 



wounded deer, or to bring a bear or hog to bay. 

 These were followed by the gang, with Chineah at 

 their head, each carrying a gun or rifle and short 



spear, and numbering with B 's followers close 



upon a dozen strong and wiry fellows, fit for any 

 kind of work. Baggage - ponies, bullocks, and 

 coolies, laden with tents, boxes, &c., with a troop 

 of servants and hangers-on, brought up the rear. 



Our people were all going on three marches in 

 advance to the village of Tottcyum, (about thirty- 

 five miles from Trichy, on the Salem road,) where 

 they were to await our arrival, as, our leave not 

 having yet appeared in orders, we were unable to 

 quit cantonments until the next day. Tlie police 

 authorities had been previously warned to have 

 carriage-bullocks posted for us every five or six 

 miles, as we determined to lose no tinae on the 

 road. The next day being the 1st of May, we 

 attended a muster parade, and, after paying a few 

 visits P.P.C. to the ladies of our acquaintance, and 

 biddino; adieu to some " of the kindliest men who 

 ever drew sword," at about 3 p.m. we attired our- 

 selves in the light and airy costume of muslin 

 shirts, silk long- drawers, and slippers, and stepping 

 into my cart, in a few moments we were rolling 

 alonor at the rate of five or six miles an hour on 

 the northern road leading to Salem. 



For some time we amused ourselves by chaf- 

 fing and poking fun at the wayfarers, particu- 

 larly with some pilgrims who were carrying two 



