224 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



mouth, noiselessly grasped my rifle, which I raised 

 with the muzzle directed towards the spot from 

 whence I thought the noise proceeded, and listened 

 attentively ; but I heard nothing save the palpita- 

 tions of my own heart, that seemed to be thumping 

 violently against my side ; and as to seeing anything, 

 it was out of the question, for the night was so dark 

 and gloomy, that I could scarcely even recognise the 

 outline of the dead bullock. A long anxious hour 

 passed, and I repeatedly heard the tearing of flesh 

 and crunchincf of bones close in front of me, but the 

 sky was so overcast that I could not distinguish any- 

 thing, although now and then I caught sight of a pair 

 of greenish-looking eyes, and heard a low purring. 

 At last, finding there was no prospect of getting a 

 fair shot, I resolved to risk a chance one, and having 

 waited until I again caught sight of his eyes, I gave 

 a whistle, which immediately attracted his attention, 

 for he raised up his head, uttering a low savage 

 snarl, and I saw his eyeballs glare as if he was peer- 

 ing through the gloom in my direction. This was 

 the opportunity I wanted. I took deliberate aim 

 between the glittering orbs that shone like burning 

 coals, and pulled both triggers almost simultaneously. 

 A hoarse roar followed the double report, which was 

 re-echoed by the distant hills — something dark 

 passed overhead, and I heard a crashing and rending 

 of wood in the bush immediately behind me, with a 

 loud whine and peculiar grunt which told me that 

 the tijjer was hard hit. 



