126 THE EASTERN IIUNTEBS. 



migrated race, and the only record of the magnifi- 

 cence in which they had passed away. 



Though far less attractive in point of size and 

 splendour of their buildings, these ruined cities of 

 Hindostan are sufficiently so to render an examina- 

 tion of them by the experienced, possibly both 

 pleasant and profitable. However, neither of the 

 conversers being archaeologists, their surmises are 

 not worthy of record. 



After they had proceeded about a mile, a rocky 

 eminence was pointed out as the bear's stronghold. 



On the summit of a hill was strewn a confused 

 mass of boulders of rock scattered irregularly about ; 

 some tossed as if by a former convulsive throe of 

 the hill itself one on the other in a jumbled chaotic 

 heap. Amongst them existed many crevices, holes, 

 and dark apertures ; but only one apparently 

 extensive enough to admit the entrance of so large 

 an animal as a bear. 



Against the rock here, stones had been piled so as 

 to block up the passage. The cavern for it extended 

 far among the rocks, and probably into the heart of 

 the hill itself was doubtless a favourite resort of 

 wild beasts, as was evident from the signs plentifully 

 scattered about. The recent traces of an, animal 

 showed that it had entered the cave that day, and 

 the look-outs, who had been patiently waiting 



