THE EFFECT OF "BAKSHEESH." 35 



" He is ready to drop out of the tree with funk, 

 Sahib," said the old shikaree ; " there is no getting 

 anything out of him, but I'll try and get him to 

 break off a bit of branch and throw it towards the 

 tiger, while you be prepared in case he gets up." 



Sending the beaters to a distance, and standing 

 shoulder to shoulder, the hunters advanced to the 

 nearest spot attainable, at the same time covering 

 the opening I have spoken of, and Rugonauth com- 

 menced exhorting the marker in the most moving 

 and feeling manner. " Why look here ! " he said, 

 " do you think you can be in any danger with these 

 three tiger-slaying lords to defend you ? What 

 animal dare show itself before them without being 

 made to eat their invincible bullets ? Arree ! wah ! 

 You are like a miserable crow in a tree. Bind 

 courage, you poor wretch, and then you will receive 

 much honour and baksheesh for being the means of 

 causing that infidel tiger to die." 



Several of his fellow-villagers also chimed in from 

 a distance, entreating him to do as desired. 



Whether it was owing to the moving eloquence 

 of Rugonauth, the exhortations of his brethren, or 

 the magic name of ' Baksheesh] the wretched man 

 did at last, hesitatingly, snap off a large twig and 

 throw it at the tiger. 



The brute immediately started up and made 



D 2 



