32 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



command from his position on the bank, Mac let 

 him come on ; and, when within some thirty or 

 forty yards, let drive. The bullet told, evidently 

 behind, for the beast, pulling up in his headlong 

 career, performed a regular waltz, partly rose on his 

 hind legs, springing round several times as if to get 

 at the wound, roaring with full tiger power during 

 this gymnastic performance. But Mac's left barrel 

 warned him of the propinquity of danger ; so he 

 abruptly re-ascended the bank and turned into the 

 jungle, receiving right and left from Norman before 

 he became concealed in the friendly cover. 



The beaters were again withdrawn to the outside 

 of the jungle, opposite to the place in which he 

 was now supposed to be lying. A lucky and well- 

 directed flower-pot stirred him up however, and 

 again he sneaked to the end ; but this time quietly 

 glided down the bank into the deep water, and 

 commenced swimming directly across. 



Once on the other side, the same as that on 

 which the hunters were stationed, the dense jungle 

 in their rear, which extended for miles, afforded a 

 secure retreat. That attained, there would be small 

 chance of recovering him, wounded though he was. 

 The effort was a bold one, but it was not fated to be 

 successful. 



The distance was over a hundred yards, but 



