118 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



gered to fortify himself with a whiff at the cheery 

 hubble-bubble, before committing the safety of his 

 person to the ill-fed, raw-boned creature which was 

 by courtesy called his " horse." Soon, however, he, 

 too, was on the move ; for he had a Avholesome 

 dread of the perils of the jungle and the spirits of 

 darkness, and cared not to loiter far behind his 

 companions, to brave them singly. 



As the fires smouldered and burnt out, darkness 

 again fell on the spot so lately the scene of noise 

 and movement. But it was not quite deserted, for 

 the three hunters remained behind. Their beds, 

 guns, washing-stands, and the materials for an early 

 breakfast were all that it was considered necessary 

 to retain ; one servant to look after these, and one 

 camel to convey them, with their three ponies, being 

 also left behind. 



Intending to hunt, on their way, in the morning, 

 they now slept the sleep of the just under one tree. 



