114 TIIE EASTERN HUNTEES. 



fresh pug this morning. If it be pleasing to the 

 Sahibs, then, we will beat the ravines. Perhaps he 

 will come into our hands." 



"Very well," said Mackenzie. "But these dead 

 bears had better be taken to the camp at once, and 

 skinned." 



" And take great care of the fat, mind," enjoined 

 Hawkes. 



" The fat ! " repeated Manajee. And he looked 

 to Mackenzie for explanation, thinking the " chota 

 Sahib " (literally " little gentleman " the diminu- 

 tive term being applicable here to age and position, 

 and not to stature) had made a mistake. 



"Yes, we wish to keep the fat," said the indi- 

 vidual appealed to. " You must have it all cut off 

 and carefully preserved. The Sahib people use it." 



" Ah ! I understand, Sahib," Manajee replied, 

 with a knowing look. " The Doctor Sahibs use it 

 for rheumatism, and to keep away evil spirits. I 

 will send my brother to see that it is taken 

 care of." 



Without enlightening the shikaree as to the use 

 to which it was destined to be applied, Mackenzie 

 merely reiterated his orders for its careful preserva- 

 tion ; and young Hawkes made promises of largess 

 if the supply proved abundant. 



A neighbouring pool of very dirty water fur- 



