86 THE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



just outside the cover, and held guard over a path 

 which there gave egress from it. 



The beaters soon began, almost, indeed, before 

 Mackenzie could reach his station, for Rugonauth 

 lost no time in getting them into line at the place 

 just vacated by the hunters. Norman had only 

 time to fix himself well, and to adapt his position 

 so as to cover the most likely places at which a 

 tiger would be visible to him, when a suppressed 

 " chuck" of the tongue against the teeth from his 

 gun-bearer called for his attention. The man had 

 climbed a good deal higher than himself, and con- 

 sequently had a greater command. He was pointing 

 with suppressed excitement in the direction of the 

 path's course. For a few seconds Norman saw 

 nothing ; but presently the tiger came into view, 

 walking slowly along. He let him come on, re- 

 serving his fire till he should reach a spot which 

 would give him a clear, uninterrupted view, and 

 allow him to aim in a convenient position. But 

 just before he reached it the beast turned abruptly 

 to the right, and moved directly towards Hawkes 

 and the outside of the cover. Norman could have 

 fired ; but he thought Hawkes' shot would be more 

 certain, as from its course the tiger would, in all 

 probability, pass underneath him. Hawkes saw 

 the beast advancing, let him come close, and rolled 



