170 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



killed the two bears, and D had caught a 



young one alive. We remained there about half an 

 hour longer, when another female and two half- 

 grown cubs came rolling along, all of whom bit the 



dust before our united volley. D also went 



after two others which were seen coming up the 

 hill, but were deterred from coming near the caves, 

 having taken alarm at the firing. He killed one 

 and severely wounded the other, but somehow or 

 another managed to lose it. 



The sun had now risen high above the horizon ; 

 the breeze had died away, and not a breath of air 

 was stirring ; a mirage was seen spread over the 

 plain, out of which the wooded hills rose like dis- 

 tant islands. The sultriness was getting more and 

 more oppressive, and it was piping hot before our 

 coolies had managed to collect the game at the foot 

 of the hill, which consisted of four male bears, five 

 females, two half-grown cubs, and a very young one 

 caught alive. 



A number of village people, hearing of our sport, 

 came to carry the game in ; and my servant 

 thoughtfully brought my pony, which I was glad 

 of, as my foot gave me considerable pain. 



I superintended the preparation of the skins, (as 

 my own man who usually did that kind of work 

 was with the gang at Bowani,) by seeing them 

 stretched tightly and pegged down on the ground, 

 exposed to the heat of the sun, whilst wood-ashes, 



