48 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



using the English specific term, in a general sense 

 comprehending the hind-quarters of all animals. 



"The leg mutton! Tiger leg mutton!" laughed 

 Norman. " Why, Mac, this is something new. "We 

 have often heard in the hunting-field of the pork 

 ' muttony chops ' served up for breakfast ; but hang 

 it, defaming that homely joint is a delightful 

 novelty." 



After a hearty laugh at the queer confusion of 

 terms, the men were allowed to depart, with per- 

 mission to select the choicest bits from the body. 



" Upon my word," said Mackenzie, " some of 

 these low-caste natives will eat anything. Flesh is 

 flesh to them ; though tiger is better, I think, than 

 cattle that have died of disease." 



"What, will they eat that V Hawkes asked. 



" The outcasts will, and glad to get it, though it 

 has been known to breed fearful disorders." 



" Yes," said Norman. " We are very apt to be 

 horrified at these disgusting tastes ; but after all, 

 the ' braxy mutton ' of you Highlanders, Mac, is 

 not much better." 



" Good sound tiger is no end preferable, I should 

 think," replied Mackenzie. 



" Ay, and I bet," said Hawkes, " these fellows 

 would sooner have their slice of tiger than the half- 

 putrid flesh which it is sometimes fashionable for 



