22 THE EASTEEN HUNTEES. 



one more adapted to jungle work. The suits of all, 

 from puggree to shoes, were dyed a russet-brown, of a 

 shade to match, as nearly as possible, the colour of 

 dried jungle. There was not much difference in the 

 cut of the coats, fashioned by native tailors ; but 

 while Mackenzie wore long gaiters, reaching well 

 upon the thigh, Norman affected the same useful 

 protection, but contented himself with shorter ones, 

 buttoning up to just below the knee only ; and 

 Hawkes wore simple trousers. Each had buckled 

 round his waist, within his coat, a broad yellow 

 leather belt, made from, the soft, pliable skin of the 

 samber. To these were affixed little pouches, con- 

 taining bullets and patches. A short hunting-knife 

 also hung in its sheath, on the left side. 



As the morning waxed old, the comparison and 

 handling of the batteries, all prepared for action, 

 afforded less satisfaction than had been the case 

 when they were first brought from their cases and 

 put together. Bullets had been counted, greased 

 patches and caps stowed away, and all preparations 

 made for an immediate start, directly the "khubber" 

 should arrive. The spare gun-carriers, too, were at 

 hand ; but yet no messenger came from the shika- 

 rees. Young Hawkes had for some time past been 

 in a state of fidgety excitement, and even his older 

 companions were beginning to feel a little anxious, 



