132 THE EASTERN HUNTERS 



" Yes, sar. In the jungles, jungly creatures live. 

 But I not fear. If master please, then I go out 

 shooting with him. My master, before I come in 

 Sahib's service, great shikaree, and sometimes lend 

 gun." 



" Well done, Manuel," exclaimed Norman. " You 

 are breaking out in a new light. Did you ever see 

 a tiger killed ?" 



" I no see tiger kill, Sahib. But I shoot plenty 

 much ducks and eshnaffs and teturs and leetly 

 pijuns. If master order, that time I shoot peacock 

 for dinner. I see two, three, twenty this morning. 

 Baloo nearly kill one with stone/ 



" Do you mean to say, Manuel, ' asked that re- 

 doubtable person's master, that you ever shot a 

 snipe?" (for by eshnaff Mr. Manuel intended to 

 signify that bird.) "If you can shoot a flying 

 snipe you must be a good shot." 



" He no fly, sar. I wait ; then see three, four, 

 running in water, and make good shot. Two kill 

 him." 



" Snipes or sandpipers. All's fish that comes to 

 your net. Eh, Manuel ? " 



" Master please make fun No shoot fish. Real 

 eshnaffs ; leetly birds with long mouths." 



" What, running in the open water ?" 



"Yes, sar, in the thin water. They no swim, 



