IX POSITION. 153 



endeavour to recover breath and strength. Even 

 the hot sirocco would have been preferable to no 

 movement of the air. Its evaporating effect on the 

 perspiring body cools and refreshes ; though rash 

 exposure to its desiccating influence when resting is 

 to be guarded against, as fever and rheumatism 

 may be the consequence. But on this day there 

 was none of it ; and the lurid oppressive atmosphere 

 rendered climbing the hills additionally trying. The 

 hunters were not sorry, therefore, when, after a 

 couple of hours' severe, exhausting toil, they reached 

 a shoulder of the hill near bruin's resting-place. A 

 little coolish air here just gently fanned their bared 

 heads, as they rested under a tree for the purpose 

 of regaining wind and nerve, and. having a little 

 weak brandy-and-water. 



Thus refreshed, they examined the place ; and, as 

 usual, took up their respective positions by lot. 

 Norman was stationed on the hill-side, above the 

 thickly-wooded, winding dell into which the game 

 had been viewed. From the spot he selected, he 

 covered one or two paths where the jungle was 

 somewhat thinner, and was altogether the best situ- 

 ation for commanding that flank. Mackenzie was 

 opposite to him on a swell of the hill a little lower 

 down, and between them the thicket was at its 

 greatest width. Hawkes held guard on the same 



