96 



SHIKAR 



when, to their terror and my horror, the poor beast came to 

 life again, as it were, and with a violent movement uttered 

 such a growl as sent his tormenters flying in all directions 

 I put an end to him by a ball in the head. This is 

 another proof of their surprising tenacity of life . 



He was truly a monstrous bear with huge limbs. This 

 formidable beast, it was stated, was the terror of the 

 villagers, having devoured many of their sheep, and put 

 to flight some score of them, who with dogs, &c. attempted 

 his destruction. There was great rejoicing over his 

 destruction. 



10th June. Sunday. Remained in camp as usual. 



llth June. We moved camp this morning, as pre- 

 viously arranged to Busman, the opposite side of the 

 valley, and I pitched my tent in a very picturesque spot, 

 overlooking the village. 



In the afternoon I went down valley, and killed a large 

 doe bara sing, which unfortunately was heavy with young. 

 I much regretted this, but the shikarries had no such 

 scruples. They were delighted at possession of so much 

 meat, and set to work 'con amore' to break up the 

 carcase, a messenger being despatched to bring men from 

 camp to carry in the flesh. I did not feel at all elated at 

 this success ; but general satisfaction pervaded my party. 



One of the coolies, who accompanied the sepoy to 

 Sirinuggur, arrived, bringing nothing whatever with 

 him. He said the sepoy would be detained some days, 

 until the Maharajah's arrival in the city, to whom he 

 would make his statement personally. The Baboo, too 

 prudent would not trust my letters to this coolie, by 

 which I am much inconvenienced and vexed. The 

 Kardar of Palgham would not either trust him with the 

 rice, &c., which had been ordered ; and further said he 

 could not supply it, as there were five sahebs there to 



