TIGEK MEAT. 47 



" Very well, Sahib," said the man to whom they 

 had been given ; " but some of the horse-keepers 

 have a petition to make." 



"What, about the tiger?" Mackenzie inquired. 



"Yes, Sahib. They are low-caste fellows, and say 

 they would like some of the meat." 



" What ? Do you mean to eat ? Call them here. 

 I should like to know what flavour it has." 



" Rather rankish sort of food to indulge in, I 

 should think," Norman observed. 



"Regular cannibalism, or worse," said Hawkes. 

 " What stomachs they must have." 



On being summoned, two or three of the horse- 

 keepers made their appearance, and in reply to the 

 questions of their masters, declared they wished 

 to be allowed to have a cut from the skinless 

 body. 



" But what does it taste like V inquired Norman. 

 " It must be very hard and strong in taste." 



" Sahib, the meat is very hot meat. It is highly 

 tasted and strength-giving. It is not good to eat 

 too much of it." 



" I can fancy it must indeed be stimulating flesh, 

 and decidedly high-flavoured. Which is the best 

 part ? What piece do you wish to have '{" 



" If it be the Sahib's order, I should like to have 

 that part they call the ' leg mutton/ '*' said the man, 



